If your little one’s baby teeth are coming in crooked, take a deep breath, you’re not alone, and it’s usually not cause for alarm.
Crooked baby teeth are incredibly common in young children.
In most cases, as your child grows and their jaw develops, those teeth naturally straighten out on their own. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore them completely.
Why Do Baby Teeth Come In Crooked?
Several factors can cause baby teeth to erupt at odd angles:
Genetics – If you or your partner had crooked teeth, your child may inherit the same pattern.
Thumb-sucking and pacifiers – Prolonged use can push teeth outward and narrow the palate.
Tongue thrusting – An improper swallowing pattern can affect tooth alignment.
Jaw and tooth size – Sometimes teeth are simply too big or too small for the available space.
Injury – Trauma to the mouth or premature tooth loss can disrupt normal alignment.
Why It Matters
While many crooked baby teeth self-correct, some can lead to:
∙ Difficulty cleaning teeth properly, increasing cavity risk
∙ Gum disease from plaque buildup
∙ Speech difficulties
∙ Problems with how permanent teeth come in
What You Can Do Right Now
Limit thumb-sucking and pacifier use – Especially after age 2-3, these habits can significantly impact tooth alignment.
Maintain good oral hygiene – Brush twice daily to prevent decay that could worsen alignment issues.
Schedule regular dental checkups – Your dentist can monitor development and catch problems early.
Be patient and observe – Give teeth time to settle as your child’s jaw grows.
Address breathing or tongue issues – If your child breathes through their mouth or has tongue-thrusting habits, mention it to your dentist.
When to Seek Help
If crooked teeth persist or worsen, your paediatric dentist might recommend:
∙ Space maintainers to hold space for incoming permanent teeth
∙ Habit-breaking appliances to stop thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
∙ Early orthodontic intervention to guide proper jaw and tooth development
The Bottom Line
Most crooked baby teeth are temporary and will improve as your child grows. Stay observant, maintain good dental hygiene, and keep up with regular dental visits. Your dentist is your partner in ensuring your child’s smile develops beautifully, baby teeth and beyond.
When in doubt, a quick consultation can give you peace of mind and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.