Overbite: From cute little bunny teeth to minor oral problems that need quiet attention

Today we are going to talk about a topic that people both love and hate - underbite. Don't be nervous, we will discuss this issue in a relaxed and pleasant way, just like chatting about daily life!

What is an overbite?

Overbite sounds like the name of a cute little animal. It is a "naughty" child in the oral cavity. Simply put, it means that the baby's chin protrudes more than the upper chin, and the lower teeth "cover" the upper teeth. Professionally speaking, it is a type of malocclusion in which the mandible protrudes forward relative to the maxilla, also known as crossbite. It sounds a bit complicated, but don't worry, we will continue to talk about it and you will understand!

Why does an underbite occur?

Genetic factors: If mom or dad has this condition, the baby may inherit this trait. Just like inheriting dad's big nose or mom's big eyes, you can say it's a little trick of genes.

Bad habits: This is what we are going to talk about today! Many underbites are not caused by genetics, but are "acquired". That's right, these are some seemingly harmless little habits that accumulate over time.

From cute babies to lively children, how did overbite come about quietly?

Imagine your baby's jaw is like a growing piece of magic clay that is easy to shape. The following habits may shape this piece of "magic clay" into an underbite:

1. Long-term sucking of fingers or pacifiers: If the baby always holds the finger or pacifier in his mouth, it is like using a small shovel to constantly push the chin forward. Slowly, the chin will grow forward and become a cute but attention-grabbing shape like a little rabbit.

2. The habit of breathing with open mouth: Some babies like to breathe with their mouths open. At this time, the tongue will droop like a lazy bug and slowly "push" the chin out.

3. Incorrect feeding and swallowing methods: If the baby's sucking posture is not good or the tongue always presses against the lower front teeth when swallowing saliva, it will affect the development of the teeth and jaw over time, just like the little tongue is constantly doing push-ups, pushing the chin, the "magic clay", forward and forming an underbite.

So, how can we prevent and correct it?

1. Say goodbye to "pacifier addiction": There is nothing wrong with using pacifiers moderately, just don't let your baby treat pacifiers as their favorite toys. At around 6-12 months, we can start to slowly reduce the use of pacifiers.

2. Cleverly correct the thumb sucking habit: You can gently remind your baby, or use some harmless bitter lotion. Remember, patience is the key, Rome was not built in a day!

3. Keep the little nose unobstructed: You can help clear the baby's nasal cavity so that they can breathe freely through the nose, just like a little rabbit moving its nose cutely.

4. Pay attention to the correct feeding posture: When feeding, maintain the correct feeding and sucking posture, let the baby's head slightly higher than the body, and ensure that the mouth and lips are in the correct position. This not only helps to swallow correctly, but also makes the baby eat more comfortably.

5. Regular physical examination: When your baby has a regular physical examination, don't forget to check the little teeth. Find problems early so that they can be solved early.

6. Balanced nutrition: Make sure your baby's diet contains enough nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. Let your baby's teeth and jaws grow healthy and happy.

Prevention is better than cure here. If you find that your baby has a tendency to have an underbite, don't panic, just consult a pediatric dentist in time. Modern medicine has many ways to help correct it. For example, functional braces are like putting a gentle "magic hat" on the teeth, allowing the "magic clay" of the chin to develop correctly.

Finally, a warm reminder: every baby is a unique little angel. Even if they have an underbite, they are still the cutest babies in the world. Our goal is to give babies healthy teeth and a bright smile, not to pursue so-called perfection.

So, there is no need to be sad about this problem. Staying optimistic and a little vigilant can help us accompany our baby to grow up healthily and happily! Please remember that every smile of your baby, whether it is rabbit teeth or canine teeth, is the most precious treasure in the world!