Pediatric Dentistry – What Parents Should Know About Children’s Permanent Teeth

Many children have fairly straight baby teeth although some can be crooked. However, once the permanent teeth come in, these teeth may not be as straight as the baby teeth were. Sometimes, baby teeth can become crooked, especially if the teeth are too small for the mouth. When the baby teeth become crooked, the permanent teeth may follow.

Some habits can cause the permanent teeth to become more crooked. For example, sucking the thumb or using a pacifier can slowly push the teeth out of place. Trauma to the teeth may cause teeth to fall out too soon. This can cause the permanent teeth to grow at an angle. However, other children are born with more crooked teeth. If a family member had crooked teeth, then the child is more likely to have them.

Sometimes, a child’s jaw is misaligned. This prevents the teeth from properly touching when the jaw is closed. When the jaw closes, the teeth try to touch each other. Over time, this can push the teeth out of alignment. Getting early pediatric dentistry treatment can help.

Size is another reason why baby teeth can be straighter than permanent teeth. The permanent teeth are often crowded when they come in. However, baby teeth are smaller. There may be enough room in a child’s jaw for these smaller baby teeth. But when the permanent teeth come in, there is not enough room for larger teeth.