The term oral habits refers to various behaviors in children that are not part of the normal function of the masticatory system, such as chewing, speaking, and swallowing.
The most common oral habits in children include:
- Pacifier sucking
- Thumb sucking
- Tongue thrusting
- Nail biting (onychophagia)
- Lip and cheek biting
- Bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding)
Pacifier Sucking
Pacifier use is very common and normal for infants and young children. It serves as a substitute for breastfeeding and provides a sense of security.
- Most children stop using pacifiers by age 5, and it is rare beyond age 8.
- It is easier to stop pacifier sucking than thumb sucking, and it can typically be discontinued through discussion and psychological guidance.
Effects of Prolonged Pacifier Use:
Long-term pacifier sucking can cause:
- Increased horizontal protrusion of the upper front teeth
- Posterior crossbite (narrow upper jaw)
- Anterior open bite (a gap between upper and lower front teeth when biting)
If pacifier use stops by age 4, its effects on oral development are usually minor and self-correcting without the need for treatment.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is another common oral habit, sometimes replacing pacifier use.
Causes of Thumb Sucking:
This habit is often linked to psychological factors, including:
- Stress and pressure at school
- Family issues (e.g., parental conflicts)
- Jealousy toward younger siblings
- Imitating other children
Studies show that thumb sucking is more frequent among only children and girls.
- Most children stop thumb sucking before age 5.
- If the habit continues beyond the eruption of permanent front teeth, it can affect jaw development, depending on:
- Duration
- Frequency
- Intensity
Effects of Prolonged Thumb Sucking:
Thumb sucking causes similar dental issues as pacifier use, but often with more severe consequences.
How to Stop Thumb Sucking:
A pediatric dentist can help by:
- Explaining the harmful effects on teeth and appearance.
- Encouraging and rewarding the child for progress, with parental cooperation.
Most children respond well to this approach. However, for persistent cases, the habit can be stopped using special dental appliances.
If thumb sucking stops before permanent front teeth fully erupt, dental issues usually self-correct significantly.
Tongue Thrusting
Tongue thrusting involves the tongue pushing between the upper and lower front teeth during swallowing.
Causes of Tongue Thrusting:
- Delayed transition from infant swallowing patterns
- Prolonged pacifier or thumb sucking
Effects of Tongue Thrusting:
- Increased horizontal protrusion of upper front teeth
- Anterior open bite (gap between upper and lower front teeth)
A pediatric dentist can correct or improve this habit using special orthodontic appliances.
Nail Biting (Onychophagia)
- Rare in children aged 3–6 years
- Very common among adolescents
- Mainly caused by stress and psychological factors
Lip and Cheek Biting
This habit can cause various bite irregularities, depending on:
- Duration
- Frequency
- Intensity
Common effects include:
- Protrusion of upper front teeth (if the lower lip is habitually placed between the upper and lower teeth)
- Jaw growth abnormalities
A pediatric dentist can help with:
- Guidance and encouragement
- Orthodontic treatment, if needed
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding and Clenching)
Bruxism is common in children, usually occurring during sleep.
Causes of Bruxism:
- Local dental factors
- Organic conditions
- Psychological factors
How to Manage Bruxism:
- Psychological support from a pediatric psychologist
- Custom-made night guards from a pediatric dentist
Bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, causing:
- Frequent headaches
- Jaw muscle pain
- Jaw joint discomfort
Conclusion
Oral habits can affect jaw and dental development, with severity depending on:
- Duration
- Frequency
- Intensity
A pediatric dentist plays a crucial role in both preventing and treating the issues caused by oral habits.