Crooked teeth in children is one of the common dental problems that can affect the beauty of the smile, oral health and even the child's self-confidence. This problem, known as malocclusion or dental malocclusion, not only affects a child's appearance, but can also cause problems with chewing, speaking and even breathing. Parents can help their children's oral health by knowing the causes of crooked teeth and prevention methods. This article takes a detailed look at preventing crooked teeth in children, causes, prevention methods, treatments and additional tips to provide practical guidance for parents. **crooked teeth in children** Crooked teeth or malocclusion is when the teeth are not properly positioned or the jaws are not properly aligned. This problem can appear as crowding of teeth, large distance between them, overbite (upper jaw forward), underbite (lower jaw forward) or crossbite. Crooked teeth in children may occur during the development of milk or permanent teeth, and if not treated in time, it can cause more serious problems. ### **Types of malocclusion** - **Crowding of teeth**: The teeth are crooked or overlapped due to lack of space. - **Spacing the teeth**: the presence of extra space between the teeth. - **overbite and underbite**: mismatch between the upper and lower jaw. - **Crossbite**: abnormal positioning of the upper and lower teeth relative to each other. ### **Reasons of crooked teeth in children** Crooked teeth in children can be the result of genetic, environmental or bad habits. In the following, we examine the most important causes of this problem: #### **1. Genetic factors** - **Inheritance**: the size of the jaw or the shape of the teeth can be passed from parent to child. - **Congenital abnormalities**: Some children are born with smaller or larger jaws than normal. #### **2. Incorrect childhood habits** - **Finger or pacifier sucking**: These long-term habits can make the jaw and teeth out of the normal state. - **mouth breathing**: breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can disrupt the growth of the jaw. **Pressing the tongue**: Pressing the tongue on the teeth while swallowing can cause them to be crooked. #### **3. Dental problems** - **Premature loss of milk teeth**: This problem can cause displacement of permanent teeth. - **improper growth of permanent teeth**: lack of space in the jaw can lead to crowding of teeth. #### **4. environmental factors** - **Improper diet**: excessive consumption of soft foods can limit the growth of the jaw. - **Physical injuries**: trauma to the jaw or teeth can cause deformity. #### **5. Diseases and medical conditions** **Respiratory problems**: Allergy or enlarged tonsils can aggravate mouth breathing. - **Nutrient deficiency**: Calcium or vitamin D deficiency can affect the growth of teeth and jaw. ### **Methods to prevent crooked teeth** It is possible to prevent crooked teeth in children with simple and timely measures. In the following, we examine effective solutions to prevent this problem: #### **1. Baby teeth care** - Parents should prevent the decay of milk teeth, because their early loss can cause permanent teeth to be crooked. - Encourage children to regularly brush their teeth and use dental floss. #### **2. Get rid of bad habits** - Parents should prevent children from sucking fingers or pacifiers after 3 years of age. - To stop mouth breathing, consult an otolaryngologist. #### **3. balanced diet** - Encourage children to eat hard foods such as carrots or apples to promote jaw development. - Increase the consumption of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products and vegetables. #### **4. Regular dental checkups** - Take children from the age of one year for dental examinations. - The orthodontist can diagnose jaw and teeth problems at an early age. #### **5. Use of astronaut** - In case of premature loss of a milk tooth, the spacer can prevent other teeth from shifting. ### **Effective Treatments for Crooked Teeth** The treatment of crooked teeth in children depends on the severity of the problem and the age of the child. In the following, we examine common and alternative treatment methods: #### **1. Orthodontic treatments** - **Braces**: Metal or transparent braces are used to correct the position of the teeth. - **Clear aligners**: A suitable option for older children with mild problems. - **Spacers**: to maintain the necessary space for the growth of permanent teeth. #### **2. Surgical treatments** - In severe cases, jaw surgery (orthognathics) is performed to correct jaw abnormalities. - Tooth extraction may be necessary in cases of excessive crowding. #### **3. Alternative therapies** - **jaw exercises**: specific exercises can help strengthen jaw muscles and improve alignment. - **jaw massage**: Gentle massage can reduce muscle tension. **Acupuncture**: Some studies have shown that this method can help improve jaw growth. #### **4. Suitable exercises** - **Correct swallowing exercises**: Encourage children to swallow without pressing the tongue against the teeth. - **Breathing exercises**: To improve oral breathing, do breathing exercises with expert guidance. - **Yoga for children**: Yoga exercises can help reduce stress and improve the condition of the jaw. ### **Conclusion** It is possible to prevent crooked teeth in children with the awareness and timely actions of parents. From caring for baby teeth to breaking bad habits and regular dental checkups, every step can help your child's oral health. If your child shows signs of crooked teeth, consult an orthodontist to choose the best course of treatment. With proper prevention and treatment, you can give your child a beautiful and healthy smile that will stay with him until adulthood. ### **