Are Crooked Teeth Genetic?

A lot of people have crooked teeth. It is, in fact, a very common alignment problem among children and adults. 

Crooked teeth can make some people feel self-conscious about how they look. Most of them will look for cosmetic or orthodontic treatment to fix their smile and boost their confidence. 

But, if your teeth are not properly aligned, you may be wondering: is this predisposition genetic? 

Let's find out! 

Are Crooked Teeth Genetic?

It is possible that if one or both parents had crooked or crowded teeth the child will most likely inherit it. While genetics do influence the alignment of someone’s teeth, they are not the only reason. 

What Are the Causes of Crooked Teeth?

As we said, crooked teeth can be a result of genetics, but that's not the only reason. Several other factors can influence the alignment of a person’s teeth, regardless of their age or their family's genetics. 

Baby teeth and permanent teeth can develop crooked, or they can become crooked over time. 

Habits that some babies develop, such as sucking their thumb or the pacifier can push the teeth and crook them. 

Here are some of the conditions and habits that can cause crooked teeth:

  • Tooth Loss

If you have one missing tooth, the rest of your teeth will start shifting to cover the gap. That can lead to crooked teeth over time. 

  • Bad Oral Habits 

Some of your habits can also influence teeth alignment. Tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or pacifiers can influence the development and alignment of your teeth. 

  • Trauma

Trauma can cause tooth loss, but it can also cause a shift in the jaw which can, later on, cause crooked teeth. 

  • Tongue and Lip Tie 

If the way your tongue sits does not align with the palate, this can affect the way teeth align in the mouth. 

  • Misaligned Jaw 

If the upper teeth do not fit properly over the lower ones, this means the jaw is misaligned. This will affect your bite as well as teeth alignment. 

  • Poor Dental Care 

Poor dental care can also affect teeth alignment, and here's how. If you don't brush your teeth every day and you don't go to regular dentist appointments, you can develop cavities and gum disease. These conditions can lead to tooth loss, and as we've seen, missing teeth can make your teeth shift and become crooked. 

  • Injury 

Accidents can also have a huge impact on teeth, affecting their alignment. 

What Can You Do If You Have Crooked Teeth? 

As you can see, genetics can influence the likelihood of having crooked teeth, but it's not the only factor. 

If you wish to straighten your teeth and improve your smile, you can check in with the dentists at We Care Dental Care. 

If you want to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact us today and tell us about your problem. 

Looking for Honest, Friendly Dental Care for you or Your Child?

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