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 Children
who are having difficulty closing
their jaws or chewing should be referred
to a dentist for further assessment
and possible intervention.
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As primary teeth erupt, occlusion
(“bite” or the way teeth fit together
when the jaws are closed) develops. Malocclusion
is an improper alignment of the jaws and teeth. Skeletal
malocclusions occur when either the upper or the lower
jaw is not properly aligned in relation to the skull
or when the upper and lower jaws are not properly
aligned with each other. In dental malocclusions,
the upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned
in relation to one another, and crowding of teeth
may also occur. Some malocclusions involve both skeletal
and dental aspects.
Most malocclusions are genetically
determined. Two types of malocclusions can be prevented:
those
caused by premature loss of primary teeth and those
caused by non-nutritive sucking habits that continue
after the permanent teeth erupt.
(See Module 5.)
The premature loss of primary teeth can cause malocclusion
by reducing the space available
for
the permanent
teeth to erupt. If teeth are lost prematurely as
a result of tooth decay or injury, space can be
preserved
with a device called a space maintainer. Children
who habitually suck fingers, a thumb, or a pacifier
should be encouraged to discontinue the habit at
around age 4, before the permanent teeth erupt.
(See
Module 5, section 5.5.)
Many malocclusions have little or no
impact on oral or overall health and may not need
treatment to improve function. Some malocclusions,
however, can be disfiguring or can affect oral functions
such as chewing and speaking. Children who are having
difficulty closing their jaws or chewing should be
referred to a dentist for further assessment and possible
intervention.
 
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