Health Tip: Raising the Risk of Overbite

By:
On:
In: Dental / Oral, Head & Neck

(HealthDay News) — An overbite, which doctors call malocclusion, occurs when the top teeth extend too far over the bottom teeth.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says risk factors for overbite include:

  • A family history of the condition.
  • Birth defects or injuries that affect the structure or size of the jaw.
  • Childhood activities including use of a pacifier, sucking a thumb or using a bottle for too long.
  • Abnormalities of the teeth.
  • Dental or orthodontic treatments (such as braces, crowns or fillings) that don’t fit well.
  • A tumor in the jaw or mouth.