What Causes Abnormal Tooth Growth?

Teeth are meant to erupt predictably. But then they don’t. A tooth erupts unexpectedly in the wrong location, grows in at a weird angle, or simply won’t come in at all. It’s uncomfortable, particularly if it’s your child’s smile on the line. Why does this occur? What’s disrupting the natural process? It seems like crooked tooth growth isn’t random—it’s due to something, and knowing what it is can encourage you to do something about it before things get out of control.

Genetics

If your parent or grandparent had overcrowded, crooked, or extra teeth, the tendency was likely inherited. Some genetic disorders, like cleidocranial dysplasia, can cause extra teeth, a delay in teeth eruption, or a lack of teeth. Jaw and tooth size are also inherited. When there is an imbalance between the two, crowding or spacing occurs.

Nutrition During Initial Development

An insufficient diet during early childhood and pregnancy can interfere with enamel formation and the eruption of teeth. Vitamin deficiencies like those of A, C, and D could lead to brittle or crooked teeth.

• Deficiency in calcium and phosphorus can also interfere with jawbone development, which can prevent teeth from erupting into proper position.

Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Habits After Age Three

Long-term habits like thumb-sucking put pressure on the teeth and create an overbite or open bite. Pacifier habits past toddler age can have the same consequences, especially if used frequently. The force that is applied by these habits can even affect the growth of the jaw, leading to permanent misalignment.

Dental Trauma: Injuries That Affect Growth

If a child’s mouth is struck by a blow, it can damage the growing tooth beneath the gums. Trauma may also lead to a delay in eruption, color change, or abnormal growth pattern. At times a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, which causes nearby teeth to shift and block the proper eruption of permanent teeth.

Impacted Teeth and Crowding

When there is inadequate space in the mouth, teeth may struggle to come through and become trapped under the gum tissue. Most likely to become impacted are the wisdom teeth, but canines and premolars may also become impacted.

• Overcrowding may lead to alignment, discomfort, and an increased risk of decay due to an inability to clean between teeth.

Hormonal Imbalance and Medical Conditions

Hypothyroidism, for example, will retard the usual eruption of teeth, leading to baby and adult teeth eruption delays. Growth hormone deficiencies may also affect jaw development and lead to poorly developed or displaced teeth. Genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome, may be accompanied by delayed or abnormal tooth growth patterns.

Cysts and Tumors

Benign jaw cysts may prevent the normal eruption of teeth, leading to impacted or crooked teeth. Some tumors, while uncommon, may disrupt tooth development by pushing them out of position or creating abnormalities in jawbones. Early detection by regular dental check-ups will stop complications from worsening.

The Dentist’s Role in Fort Lauderdale

If you or your child notice abnormal tooth growth, the sooner you get in, the better. An emergency dentist Fort in Lauderdale can determine what is happening and recommend treatment before it becomes a more serious issue. In some instances, a simple spacer or orthodontic procedure can correct the problem before extensive dental work is needed. The sooner the cause is identified, the better the outcome. If you have issues with your or your child’s teeth, ring our dentist today to book a check-up and discuss the best treatments. It all starts with awareness and doing something about it!