Kids with crooked bite may die early

If your child has a crooked bite, it could be a bigger problem than you think.

Despite being reversible with multiple trips to the dentist as they grow older, new research suggests it could be a sign of an early death.

Regardless of whether a bite that doesn’t quite match up is eventually fixed, it shows early life stress, scientists believe.

The findings were published in the American Journal of Human Biology.

Studies have repeatedly shown that this makes children more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease and cancer in later life. Low birth weight has long been considered the best way to identify early life stress as it is often a sign of poor nutrition in the womb.

It can also indicate health problems or substance abuse in the mother, genetic factors, and problems with the placenta. As a result, some babies may become sick in the first days of life or develop various infections. They are also prone to chronic diseases as they grow older.

Others may suffer from longer term problems such as delayed motor and social development or learning disabilities.