The gadget itself is not a cause of bite disorder (malocclusion). The problem arises when certain habits form alongside the time spent in front of the screen — the head is constantly tilted forward, the child breathes through the mouth, the tongue is in an incorrect position, and the muscles of the face and neck do not function properly, as explained by dentist-orthodontist Andrey Zhuk in an interview with Gazeta.
“When a school-age child looks down at a screen for a long time, they gradually learn to keep their head tilted forward. This changes how the neck muscles and chewing system work. It wouldn’t be correct to say that the tilted head position itself becomes the direct cause of 'crooked teeth.' There is no such direct connection. However, sustained, incorrect body posture can lead to the formation of a stable muscular pattern, which is certainly undesirable during a child's active growth phase,” the expert clarified.
More important factors are the child’s breathing method and tongue position while at rest. Ideally, the tongue should be positioned within the oral cavity in a specific way during rest, and breathing should mainly occur through the nose. If the child constantly breathes through the mouth (for instance, due to nasal congestion, allergies, or enlarged adenoids), the balance of the muscles surrounding the dental arches is disrupted. If this habit persists for a long time, it can affect the development of the dento-maxillary system.
“There is another problem — the reduction in physical activity. A child can stay for hours in the same position sitting in front of a computer, then do homework holding a phone in hand, and spend free time again in front of the screen. This is by no means the best option for a growing body. Children need movement, regular physical activity, and diverse opportunities to engage their muscles,” he noted.
Another important issue at the same time is that an age-appropriate diet and normal chewing activity are an integral part of the natural development of the chewing system.
“Still, I would not villainize gadgets. It would be more correct to consider the child’s lifestyle as a whole. If a child spends a lot of time in front of screens, is physically inactive, constantly sits with the head down, breathes through the mouth, sleeps poorly, and has a habit of holding the tongue in an incorrect position, then we are dealing with a combination of factors that require attention,” the doctor emphasized.
