Development of Malocclusions in Children and Adolescents: Malocclusions are dentofacial disorders that affect how the upper and lower teeth fit together. They can vary in severity and affect chewing function, facial aesthetics, and oral health.
The development of malocclusions in children and adolescents is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This article will explore these factors and how they contribute to the emergence of these conditions.
Parents should recognize abnormal situations and identify certain patterns that lead to the establishment of unfavorable occlusion during the growth of young children.
Genetic Factors
Genetic inheritance plays a key role in the development of malocclusions. Some of the main genetic factors include:
Development of Malocclusions in Children and Adolescents
1. Family History
Children with parents or siblings who have malocclusions are more likely to develop the same condition. This suggests a genetic influence on the transmission of dentofacial characteristics.
2. Molecular Genetics
Recent research has identified several genetic variants associated with malocclusions. Some genes are involved in tooth development and facial growth regulation. Alterations in these genes may contribute to a genetic predisposition to malocclusions.
Malocclusions generally result from a combination of multiple genes, making the genetic picture complex. Furthermore, the interaction between genes and environmental factors can play a significant role in the development of malocclusions.
Development of Malocclusions in Children and Adolescents
Environmental Factors
3. Multifactorial Effect
Although genetics is a significant component, environmental factors also play a critical role in the development of malocclusions in children and adolescents. However, we are not going to talk, logically, about climate, geography, or temperature!!! That is, environmental factors are factors generated by various influences or by the individual themselves through habits they develop throughout life. Therefore, here are some of these main environmental factors:
1. Sucking Habits
Prolonged sucking habits, such as thumb sucking or pacifier use for an extended period, can affect tooth alignment and palate formation. This can contribute to the development of malocclusions.
2. Mouth Breathing
Chronic mouth breathing, often due to allergies, inflamed tonsils, rhinitis, or other chronic respiratory conditions, can affect facial and dental development, leading to malocclusions. These conditions create a vicious cycle where one factor reinforces another. Therefore, a chronically congested nose leads to mouth breathing. This mouth breathing becomes chronic and stimulates the development of a high-arched palate and inflamed tonsils.
Finally, a high-arched palate hinders the development of the upper respiratory airways (reducing the space in the nostrils), which become increasingly constricted. Consequently, the child or adolescent will breathe more and more through their mouth.
3. Nutrition and Eating Habits
Above all, the primary stimulus for harmonious craniofacial growth is... natural breastfeeding. In this spirit of raising awareness, we are also publishing this article specifically addressing this issue. It is the foundation of growth in all aspects, including psycho-affective ones.
Similarly, inadequate nutrition and harmful eating habits, such as excessive consumption of sugary foods and lack of hygiene, can lead to the loss of some teeth from the deciduous dentition (baby teeth), and this can affect the correct dental positioning and lead to inadequate development of the jaws, contributing to malocclusions.
4. Trauma and Injuries
Injuries to the mouth or face during childhood and adolescence can cause displacement or damage to teeth and bones, leading to malocclusions.
5. Lack of Preventive Orthodontics
The lack of Orthodontic carePreventive measures, such as the absence of regular evaluations by an orthodontist during growth, can result in the failure to diagnose dentofacial problems early and contribute to the development of malocclusions.
Development of Malocclusions in Children and Adolescents
Can parents identify abnormalities in maxillomandibular development?
Yes, it is possible for parents to identify some signs that may indicate their child's teeth are not developing normally. While only a qualified orthodontist can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment, parents should be aware of certain indicators that suggest the need for an orthodontic evaluation. Therefore, here are some signs that parents can observe:
1. Bite problems:
If you notice that your child has an irregular bite, such as an overbite (upper teeth completely covering the lower teeth when the mouth is closed) or an open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed), this may be a sign of malocclusion.
2. Difficulty chewing or speaking:
Your child may have difficulty chewing food or may have speech problems due to a dental malocclusion.
3. Misaligned or crowded teeth:
If your child's teeth are visibly crooked, misaligned, or crowded, this could be a sign of developing orthodontic problems.
4. Harmful oral habits:
Prolonged sucking habits, such as thumb sucking or pacifier use for an extended period, can affect tooth development and lead to malocclusions. Your orthodontist can help assess these habits.
5. Mouth breathing:
If your child breathes primarily through their mouth instead of their nose, this can affect the development of their face and teeth. This can be caused by airway obstructions or allergies.
6. Pain or discomfort:
If your child complains of pain or discomfort in their teeth or jaw, it's important to pay attention and seek guidance from an orthodontist.
7. Delayed shedding of baby teeth:
The shedding of baby teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth generally follow a predictable schedule. However, significant delays or problems with the eruption of permanent teeth can be a cause for concern.
8. Facial asymmetry:
If you notice significant facial asymmetry or disproportion in your child's facial appearance, this may indicate problems in the development of the jaw or maxilla.
Development of Malocclusions in Children and Adolescents
Remember that it's normal for children to experience variations in their teeth and facial development as they grow, and not all dental problems require immediate orthodontic treatment. However, if you notice any of the situations mentioned above or have concerns about your child's teeth, it's advisable to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist.
An orthodontist can perform a thorough evaluation and, if necessary, recommend an appropriate treatment plan to correct any developing orthodontic problems. The sooner a problem is identified, the easier and more effective the treatment can be.
Development of Malocclusions in Children and Adolescents
It is important to remember that each case of malocclusion is unique. In fact, orthodontists have a whole classification of malocclusion types that serve to more accurately identify the likely causes of the deviations and guide treatment planning, individualizing solutions.
Therefore, it is crucial that a qualified orthodontist be consulted to assess and create a personalized treatment plan, when necessary. A combination of a multidisciplinary approach and awareness of genetic and environmental factors can contribute to a healthy and beautiful smile in children and adolescents.
Conclusion
Finally, malocclusions in children and adolescents are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, understanding these factors is essential for effectively preventing, diagnosing, and treating these conditions. Regular dental care, early identification of orthodontic problems, and consideration of genetic and environmental factors are fundamental to promoting oral health and the overall well-being of children and adolescents.
Above all, I hope this article is helpful in understanding the factors involved in the development of malocclusions in children and adolescents. Always remember to seek guidance from an oral health professional to evaluate and treat any orthodontic problems.
Author: Nivaldo Pinho Gonçalves, Periodontist, CROSC 9696.
Reference: https://repositorio.ufsc.br/bitstream/handle/123456789/83167/188264.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y