Buck teeth in kids is the misalignment of the upper and lower front teeth. The condition is characterized by an irregular protrusion of the upper front teeth, usually causing them to cover the lower lip. Buck teeth may lead to certain health issues in some children based on the malalignment’s severity. Buck teeth leads to horizontal and vertical dental protrusions. The horizontal overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth is often called an overjet, while the vertical overlap is an overbite. Generally, the normal range for an overjet is about 1.5–2.5 millimeters (1). Experts advise early treatment of buck teeth to prevent complications. Read this post to know the causes, treatment, and management options for buck teeth in children.
Causes Of Buck Teeth
Several factors can lead to buck teeth in kids. Some of the most common causes include the following.
Health Risks Due To Buck Teeth
Buck teeth pose certain risks, and these risks could range from mild to severe:
Treatment For Buck Teeth
At times, parents and caregivers may fail to recognize buck teeth as a problem. But, often, the solution lies in correcting buck teeth when the first signs start to appear. This can help avoid future risks. A dentist or orthodontist performs the treatment for buck teeth. Let’s discuss the buck teeth treatment modalities in detail.
Managing Buck Teeth In Kids
If one chooses to live with buck teeth, here are some self-care tips to avoid the associated risks:
Practice good oral hygiene. Massage the gums with castor oil once every week. Gargle your mouth with warm water and salt daily as a part of oral hygiene. Visit the dentist regularly. Include citrus fruits in your diet for healthy gums.
Consult a dentist or orthodontist if your child has buck teeth and discuss the treatment options to prevent future complications. In adults, treatment is needed if buck teeth cause discomfort. If a person has no problems associated with such teeth arrangement and is confident of their looks, the treatment can be avoided.
