micrognathia jaw

What is Micrognathia?

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Micrognathia is when the jawbone is smaller than normal. In some cases, this can cause problems with feeding, breathing, and sleeping. This occurs in about 1 in every 1,500 births.


In certain cases, when the jaw's size is small enough, it can hinder the baby's eating. Infants who suffer from this issue could require nipples that are specially designed for proper feeding.


Micrognathia could cause the teeth to be not appropriately aligned. It is evident by the way that the teeth are closed. There is often not enough room to grow.


Children suffering from this condition must see an orthodontic specialist when the adult teeth begin to appear since children can overcome the issue, it is often logical to hold off treatment until a child is older.

What Causes Micrognathia?


Micrognathia is generally congenital. This means that the children are born with the condition. Certain cases of micrognathia may be caused by genetic disorders, and in others, it's caused by genetic mutations that develop independently and aren't able to transfer through family members.


Here are some genetic disorders that can be associated with micrognathia: 


Pierre Robin syndrome

Pierre Robin syndrome causes your baby's jaw to grow gradually in the womb, which results in a tiny lower jaw. This also causes your baby's tongue and teeth to recede into the throat. This may block the airways and cause breathing difficulties.

They could be born with an opening on the mouth's roof (or the cleft palate). It is seen in one in every 8,500 to 14,000 births.


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Trisomy 13 and 18

A trisomy is a genetic disorder that develops in babies who have an extra gene: three chromosomes rather than the usual two. The trisomy can lead to extreme mental and physical defects.


As per the National Library of Medicine, around 1 out of 16,000 newborns is affected by trisomy 13, commonly referred to as Patau syndrome.


As per the Trisomy 18 Foundation, around 1 out of 6,000 infants suffer from Trisomy 18.


A number such as 13 or 18 refers to the chromosome the extra material comes from.


Achondrogenesis

Achondrogenesis is a rare, inherited disorder that occurs when your children's pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone. This can lead to severe bone disorders that include a narrow lower jaw and an enlarged chest. This also leads to extremely short:


  • Legs
  • Arms
  • Neck
  • Torso

Progeria

Progeria Genetic disorder is a genetic condition that causes your child's age increases quickly. Progeria-afflicted babies typically do not display signs at birth; however, they begin to show indications of the disorder in the first two years of life.


This is due to a genetic change; however, it's not passed on via families. Along with a narrow jaw, people who suffer from progeria might also experience slow growth, hair loss, and the appearance of a narrower face.


Cri-du-chat syndrome

Cri-du-chat Syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder that causes developmental impairments and physical malformations, like small jaws and lower-set ears.


Treacher Collins syndrome

Treacher-Collins syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause severe facial anomalies. Along with a smaller jaw, it could result in a mouth that is cleft and cheekbones that are not present, as well as a defect in the shape of ears.

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What Are the Symptoms of Micrognathia?


The symptoms of micrognathia may vary between children; however, they may also be characterized as:

  • Apneic spells (a short-term stoppage in breathing)
  • Troubles with feeding, such as long-term eating or inability to feed and a slow weight gain
  • Breathing noises
  • Sleeping problems

Discover More: How Do Teeth Get Demineralized?

How is Micrognathia Diagnosed?


The diagnosis of micrognathia is often made during pregnancy based on the ultrasound signs. Also, it can be detected upon delivery based on the way the jaw of your child looks.


What Are the Treatment Options for Micrognathia?


In certain cases, micrognathia can improve on its own. There are both surgical and nonsurgical solutions for micrognathia. Which one is best for your child is contingent on the degree of severity of the issue.


Nonsurgical Treatment For Micrognathia

  • The use of positional therapy
  • Nasopharyngeal tube
  • Positive airway pressure

Surgical Treatment For Micrognathia

  • Tongue-lip adhesion
  • Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis (MDO).
  • Tracheostomy

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Frequently Asked Questions

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

Effective bad breath remedies include:

Gentle and regular scraping of the tongue

Regular oral care practices such as daily brushing and flossing

Professional deep cleanings and plaque removal

The ongoing use of oral probiotics.

How Probiotics Work To Control Bad Breath

One, the probiotics compete with the existing bad bacteria and reduce their presence by “crowding them out”

Two, the probiotics produce BLIS or “bacteriocin-like-inhibitory-substances” which is a technical way of stating that one probiotic strain (bacteria) can produce a substance that inhibits or kills off other bacteria. Three, by working to control gingivitis, gum disease and tooth decay these probiotics reduce the very sources of bacteria-generated odors in the mouth.

How Do Oral Probiotics Work to Fight Tooth Decay?

  • First, oral probiotics can break into and colonize your mouth's biofilm, replacing the "bad" bacteria with good.
  • Second, the beneficial oral probiotics compete against the bad bacteria. In effect they crowd out the "bad" bacteria by establishing themselves in the limited space of the biofilm.
  • Third, now, with a lower volume of S. Mutans, and other acid-forming bacteria, the teeth and gums are not under the constant, disintegrating attack of acids.
  • Fourth, at the same time, the oral probiotics are producing alkaline byproducts. This action not only reduces the acids but inhibits the growth of "bad" bacteria as they thrive in acidic environments.
  • Fifth, as a part of the biofilm, the oral probiotics are able to make their way into those difficult to reach deep areas of the teeth and gums. Once there they can continuously work, 24/7, to create a balanced environment that inhibits tooth decay and gum disease while promoting the healing process.

How do Oral Probiotics Help Against Gum Disease?

  • First, our oral probiotics are chosen for their ability to penetrate into and to colonize within the biofilm (plaque) and to survive in the oral environment
  • Second, these oral probiotics have the ability to successfully compete against the harmful bacteria. There are limited resources in the biofilm and with more beneficial bacteria present then fewer harmful bacteria can exist
  • Third, it is not the presence of plaque that is so much the problem, it is the acids and toxins produced by certain bacteria that lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Fewer harmful bacteria in the plaque=lowered toxins and acids
  • Fourth, our oral probiotics improve your mouth's pH balance. This has the effect of reducing acid levels and establishes a pH level that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria
  • Fifth, unlike brushing or flossing our oral probiotics work their way into those difficult to reach "hideout" zones and so they will work “around the clock” and not just when you brush or floss

Studies have shown a clear reduction in plaque levels and gingivitis symptoms when oral probiotics were administered to patients with moderate to severe gingivitis.