What could be a cause for impacted teeth?

Impacted teeth occur when there is not enough space in the mouth for teeth to emerge or when the positioning of the teeth is obstructed by jawbone. Inadequate bone structure can lead to a situation where there isn't sufficient area for the teeth to erupt properly, resulting in them becoming trapped or impacted within the jawbone. This is particularly common with wisdom teeth, which often lack enough room to grow in and can become angled or blocked by adjacent teeth or the jaw itself.

In this context, the other factors listed, while they can contribute to dental health issues, do not directly relate to the fundamental mechanical reason for impaction. Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to decay or gum disease but does not inherently prevent teeth from erupting. Frequent dental cleanings are aimed at maintaining oral health and preventing issues, and while a high sugar diet can lead to cavities and other conditions, it does not affect the structural ability of a tooth to emerge from the gums. Thus, the bone structure is key in understanding the cause of impacted teeth.