Oral Habits

Oral habits are learned patterns of muscle contraction and have a very complex nature. Abnormal oral habits are associated with anger, hunger, sleep, tooth eruption and fear. Children even display oral habits for release of mental tension. These habits might be non-nutritive sucking (Thumb, Finger, Pacifier), Tongue Thrusting Habit, Mouth Breathing, Lip and Nail Biting and Bruxism. Increased stress level in modern societies causes these habits to become more prevalent as compared to the past decades. Since oral habits adversely affect dentoalveolar system, more attention to control and prevent them is required. So, Interruption of these habits as early as possible is very important to prevent severe dentofacial problems.