Oral habits are repetitive patterns of behaviour that involves the mouth. This includes activities such as:
- Non-nutritive sucking: thumb, finger, dummy or other objects.
- Tongue thrusting during swallowing which is the placement of tongue tip forward between the front teeth during swallowing.
- Lip sucking
- Mouth breathing
- Bruxism or grinding
It’s normal for babies and infants to have a sucking habit as it gives them a sense of security, warmth, and happiness.
Oral habits in children with baby teeth have little if any long-term dental effects. They may cause some changes in the position of their baby teeth, but this should resolve if the habit is stopped before the eruption of permanent teeth.
If oral habits extend beyond the eruption of the permanent front teeth (5-8yrs of age) then there are more chances of seeing changes in the teeth and bone. Research has shown that a minimum of 6 hours per day of force is required to result in tooth movement.
Oral habits where possible should be controlled before the eruption of front adult teeth.
Dentists strongly recommend the use of a mouthguard in any sport or activity where collision or contact is likely during both games and training. Protect Read more
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