Micrognathia is a hereditary condition where the lower jaw is abnormally small, causing difficulty with feeding and tooth development. It may be diagnosed in childhood, but treatment is often delayed as the jaw may correct itself. Surgery is offered if breathing is affected.
Micrognathia is a condition in which the lower jaw is abnormally small, often small enough to interfere with feeding and normal tooth and tongue development. This condition is typically hereditary and may be the only deformity the patient has; it could also accompany other medical problems. It is often diagnosed in childhood, but treatment is sometimes delayed because the abnormally small jaw tends to correct itself as the patient ages. When the condition leaves the patient unable to eat or breathe, however, treatment typically occurs soon after diagnosis.
In many cases, the parent of an affected child notices the problem when the child has difficulty eating or breathing efficiently due to the small size of the lower jaw. The condition isn’t always that serious, so some patients aren’t diagnosed with micrognathia until they are older, at which point other adverse effects may be evident. For example, the small jaw inhibits proper growth of the tongue, which is likely forced against the palate most of the time and can block the airways. Another problem that may only be noticed after a few years is insufficient space for the teeth, resulting in misalignment. This leads to the need for orthodontic treatment once the jaw structure has been set.
Those who suspect their child has micrognathia are advised to see a doctor for an official diagnosis, especially if the child cannot eat or breathe properly. Before diagnosing jaw deformities, doctors usually complete a physical exam, followed by skull X-rays. Other symptoms will also be noted to ensure it is not caused by or accompanied by other medical conditions. For example, some patients with micrognathia also experience progeria or rapid aging, while others may have Marfan syndrome, which is a connective tissue disease.
Young patients who have difficulty eating due to micrognathia may be offered feeding aids, such as a specialized bottle nipple. Such equipment can ensure they get the nutrients they need without having to undergo surgery at a young age, unless immediate surgical treatment is needed to allow them to breathe. Surgery is typically delayed in young patients because micrognathia sometimes corrects itself as the jaw grows during puberty. Also, young children’s teeth aren’t fully developed, so both jaw surgery and orthodontic remedies are often delayed to avoid having to repeat treatment once the bone structure has changed.
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