Introduction
Before you can even get started with underbites, it is best if you understood what occlusions are. Occlusion is simply a term that is used to represent how properly our teeth should be aligned. When your teeth are aligned as they are supposed to be, they should have no problems fitting into the oral cavity. If your occlusion is right, your jaw and teeth will pose no issue to your oral health. When it comes to how proper our teeth are aligned, the oral cavity will be safe from any kind of dental issues. Such issues include teeth being crowded or issues to do with spacing.
How does underbite happen?
To know if you have an underbite or not, you must first understand how it happens. Underbites happen when the lower teeth are slightly above the upper teeth. This causes discomfort and pain. In severe cases, underbites can cause headaches, earaches, and even jaw pain. The right occlusion should be a mild overlap of the upper teeth and jaw over the lower jaw and teeth. Anything that is not occlusion is termed as malocclusion. Malocclusion can be an overbite, underbite, and other dental conditions. Among them all, an underbite needs serious dental care. This is because the lower jaw is always in charge of keeping our tongue safe in the oral cavity. That means, when one is suffering from an underbite, the tongue can be bitten. This can cause pain and injury and in severe cases, it can be worse.
Who suffers from an underbite?
Anyone can suffer from an underbite. That means both teenagers, toddlers, and adults can suffer from the condition. The good thing with this condition is that it can be treated regardless of how severe the condition is. It is also very important to know that children are prone to a quicker recovery more than elderly people. Adults can have a longer recovery time but the treatment works for both. That means it is better to treat an underbite early enough. If you have a toddler who has shown symptoms of underbites, take the initiative to take the toddler to a dentist for an underbite correction
Underbites symptoms
Some symptoms can indicate that you are having an underbite. Here are some of them
- Mouth tumors
- Having a cleft lip
- Having breathing difficulties
- Biting your inner cheek or tongue
- Breathing through the mouth
- Teeth crowding
- Having speech difficulties
- Protruding lower teeth
- Excessive use of bottles as a child
How can one prevent an underbite
Believe it or not, there are ways through which one can reduce an underbite. The first thing that you can do for your child is making an orthodontist appointment immediately your child turned seven years. Another suitable thing to do for yourself and your child is to make sure that you are maintaining a healthy oral hygiene. For example, you should consider brushing your teeth at least twice a day. It is also recommended that you consider flossing for both you and your child. By doing that, you will help prevent underbites.
