Misaligned teeth are quite common in children, and buck teeth are one of the most prevalent occlusal misalignments. These often result from neglected parafunctional habits in their younger years.
Buck teeth refer to protruding teeth that create an increased gap between the upper front teeth and the lower front teeth. This arrangement can lead to several complications, including speech difficulties, challenges in chewing, gum disease, and tooth decay. It is essential to treat buck teeth promptly to prevent further damage to the teeth.
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Reasons that Lead to Proclination of Teeth
The arrangement of teeth in adulthood depends on several factors, including arch space, the presence of parafunctional habits, and premature or delayed shedding of deciduous teeth.
Thumb Sucking
This is the most common reason for protruding teeth. A child with this habit often exhibits several developmental defects in oral structures. Thumb sucking frequently results in proclined front teeth or buck teeth, along with an open bite. The pressure created by thumb sucking leads to the narrowing of the upper arch. When this habit persists for an extended period, it can have a detrimental effect and increase the risk of traumatic injuries.
Additionally, the unbalanced forces from thumb sucking can contribute to crossbite in the back tooth region.
Tongue Thrusting
This habit is related to the abnormal transition from an infantile swallow to a mature swallow. The child tends to thrust their tongue between the front teeth to meet the lower lip while chewing or swallowing, which is commonly referred to as an infantile swallow. Retaining this habit even after the eruption of teeth leads to alignment defects.
This contributes to an increased overjet, characterized by the presence of buck teeth, which means protruding front teeth with spacing. The mandibular teeth are pushed back or reclined, increasing the gap between the upper and lower front tooth regions. The child may also have difficulty closing their lips at rest and may struggle with speech, particularly with the pronunciation of the sounds s, n, d, t, l, th, and z.
Missing Teeth or Presence of Extra Teeth
This condition is beyond the child’s control. The presence of extra teeth, known as supernumerary teeth, can lead to insufficient space for normal occlusion, pushing the front teeth outward. Missing teeth may result from the premature shedding of deciduous teeth, or some teeth may be congenitally absent. This creates extra space in the oral cavity, causing the remaining teeth to drift into abnormal positions.
Prolonged use of pacifiers and baby bottles can also disrupt the developmental pattern. Parents who overuse pacifiers and baby bottles can observe effects similar to thumb or digit sucking. This habit can cause the front teeth to be pushed outward, resulting in protrusion and an open bite.
Lip Biting
It is not a very common habit, although it also contributes to increasing the overbite and overjet, which leads to the proclination of the upper front tooth. The tendency of the child to keep the lip between the upper and lower front teeth creates abnormal pressure, leading to the manifestation of buck teeth.
Genetics
The development and growth of dental arches also depend highly on genetics. A narrow arch with less space can be hereditary, which ensures the presence of bucked teeth in adulthood.
Why Do You Need to Correct Your Child’s Buck Teeth in a Timely Manner?
A buck tooth not only interferes with appearance, lowering the self-esteem of the child, but it also hinders various normal functions, which further leads to abnormal growth patterns. It is necessary to understand the consequences of buck teeth and intervene timely.
Prevention of Dental Trauma
With proclined teeth, the risk of dental trauma also increases. In accidents, such as sports injuries or falls, the front teeth are more likely to be damaged, resulting in fractures or avulsions.
Improving Oral Function
Buck teeth disrupt basic functions such as normal speech, swallowing, and chewing. Kids with protruding teeth have difficulty chewing and experience speech impairments. They often struggle to pronounce certain letters clearly, which can directly affect their self-esteem and confidence. Moreover, the inability to bite or chew properly often leads to nutritional deficiencies, which can influence a child’s normal growth.
Gum and Periodontal Issues
Gum diseases are more commonly associated with buck teeth. With protruding teeth, the risk of bacterial seepage is higher. Even with the maintenance of good oral hygiene, kids manage to have gum diseases and pocket formation. The presence of bacteria also increases the risk of caries development, which consequently leads to tooth decay.
Difficulties With Normal Closing and Opening of Mouth
With abnormal occlusal patterns, numerous patients develop long-term TMJ abnormalities that affect the normal closing and opening of the jaw. If neglected, this condition can get worse and require surgical intervention.
Boosting Self-Confidence
At the developing age, the appearance of buck teeth directly impacts a child’s confidence. They tend to shy away and become insecure about the way they look. Buck teeth also affect the facial profile, which differs from normal children. The skeletal defects can become permanent. This can have deep psychological effects that can affect adult life.
Conclusion
To sum up, buck teeth should not be considered merely a transition or aesthetic issue. They come with multiple abnormal functional defects that have long-term effects on the child’s lifestyle. It is not wise to neglect the misalignment of the teeth at a young age. It is rather better to intervene in the early years and guide the development in a normal direction.
At Anoka Dental in MN, our dedicated dentist for children specialize in addressing dental issues like buck teeth and misalignment.
Reach out to our experienced team today to schedule a consultation, and let us guide you through the best options tailored to your child’s needs.
Reach out to us by phone at (763) 421-4002 or visit our website, https://anokadental.com/.
