Why Modern Life May Be Fueling Dental and Jaw Misalignments
In modern societies, crowded and misaligned teeth—what dentists call “malocclusion” or “bad bite”—are surprisingly common. Studies suggest that around 20% of the U.S. population experiences significant malocclusion, and over half of these cases require orthodontic treatment. Braces, tooth extractions, and retainers have become routine tools in addressing these issues. Today, it’s estimated that 50–70% of children in the U.S. will wear braces before adulthood, making it a common part of growing up.
But here’s an interesting question: What did humans do about crooked teeth before modern dentistry? While our ancient ancestors might have dealt with toothaches or gum infections, there did not suffer the widespread jaw misalignments, TMJ issues and crocked and crowded teeth as we see today. Our ancestors didn’t face these issues as often as we do now. Fossil evidence tells us that the prevalence of crooked teeth is a relatively recent development in human history.
Scientists believe the epidemic of malocclusion is tied to lifestyle changes over thousands of years. Back then, diets were made up of tougher, more fibrous foods. Constant chewing and the need for a strong bite helped jaws develop fully, making crooked teeth or jaw alignment problems less common. Early humans had broader jaws and straighter teeth due to their diets, lack or absence of unprocessed foods. This natural activity helped jaws develop fully, leaving plenty of room for teeth to align properly.
As societies industrialized, diets became softer and easier to chew, reducing the stimulus for proper jaw growth. Processed, softer foods allow our jaws to grow smaller and narrower, leaving less room for teeth to come in straight. Add modern factors such as stress, poor posture from screen time, and changes in breathing patterns, and we have a recipe for what feels like an epidemic of TMJ disorders and orthodontic issues. This change, combined with other modern habits like bottle-feeding and thumb-sucking in childhood, may have contributed to narrower jaws and misaligned teeth.
Beyond aesthetics, malocclusion can lead to health issues such as difficulty chewing, speech problems, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The good news is that modern orthodontics can correct these problems, improving both function and appearance.
While crooked teeth may be common today, they don’t have to be permanent. Understanding the reasons behind malocclusion helps us appreciate the importance of dental care and orthodontic treatment in maintaining a healthy smile. If you or your child are experiencing issues with misaligned teeth, a consultation with a dental professional is the first step to a healthier bite.
