In a large number of malocclusion cases it is caused by a hereditary condition which can make it difficult to prevent it from occurring. However, the growth and development of the teeth and jaw is also influenced by environmental factors which if amended could potentially help to avoid issues of malocclusion from happening.
Parents of young children should be aware of the long term effects that prolonged thumb sucking and use of bottles and dummies can have on the development of the jaw and they should be encouraged to stop as young as possible.
Regular dentist appointments for children are also beneficial to encourage early detection of malocclusion which may help to reduce the severity of the issues decrease the treatment required.