Causes of malocclusion

Malocclusion literally means a bad bite. It is a technical term for crooked or protruding teeth as well as the various jaw relationships. Malocclusions can be genetically determined, acquired later in life or due to a combination of the two factors. Missing or extra teeth, disproportionate sizes of teeth and jaws, clefting of the lip and palate and a variety of jaws disharmonies are genetically determined. Crowding and spacing between teeth, abnormal bite and certain jaw relationships may or may not have a genetic influence but can be propagated by a host of acquired causes such as tooth decay, gum diseases, early loss of baby or permanent teeth, thumb sucking, mouth breathing and trauma to teeth and jaws.