What does “Oral habits” mean?
Oral habits is a term used for behaviours such as digit sucking or a persistently unusual tongue posture that exert repeated forces on teeth and surrounding tissues. The behaviour alone does not establish a problem: assessment considers age, development, frequency, duration, intensity and its actual effects.
Assess the pattern and effects, not just the name
Sucking can be a natural behaviour in young children. Persistent or forceful repetition may be associated with changes in alignment and the bite and warrants assessment. Brief tongue contact also differs from the resting tongue posture. One behaviour does not explain every change.
Consider breathing, sleep and tooth damage together
Mouth breathing may relate to difficulty breathing through the nose and is not the only cause of changes in the dental arches. Report snoring or observed pauses in breathing so the team can arrange appropriate assessment. Wear, fractures and jaw pain associated with bruxism also need evaluation.
Choose support suited to development and cooperation
Understanding when the behaviour occurs, offering encouragement and involving the child and parent in choosing how to stop can help. Counselling, behaviour strategies, appliances or assessment by another professional may be considered when needed. The same appliance is not appropriate for every child, and stopping a habit does not guarantee that the bite will correct itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does thumb sucking always mean a child needs orthodontic treatment?
No. Growth stage, the strength and persistence of the behaviour, and actual changes in the teeth help determine whether observation, support to stop or treatment is needed.
Should children be scolded for grinding their teeth or breathing through the mouth?
These should not simply be treated as misbehaviour. Bruxism has multiple contributing factors, and mouth breathing may involve nasal or respiratory problems. Assessment of the causes and effects, followed by appropriate support, comes first.
Understanding oral habits and associated symptoms
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Which behaviours and changes have been noticed together?
Explanation and evidenceDescribe when the behaviour occurs, how persistent it is, changes in alignment, wear or pain, and any nasal blockage or sleep symptoms.
AAPD: Assessment and management of the developing dentition and occlusion (2024 revision) - A choice suited to your condition
What support and follow-up are needed?
Explanation and evidenceChoose an approach suited to the child’s development and cooperation, and monitor dental and functional changes. If breathing or sleep problems are suspected, ask about appropriate referral.
AAPD: Assessment and management of the developing dentition and occlusion (2024 revision)
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- AAPD: Assessment and management of the developing dentition and occlusion (2024 revision)aapd.org (opens in a new tab)
- American Dental Association: Thumb sucking and parental supportmouthhealthy.org (opens in a new tab)
- NIDCR: Causes, assessment and management of bruxismnidcr.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
