ISSN 2756-3421
African Journal of Dentistry ISSN 2756-3421 Vol. 10 (11), pp. 001-004, September, 2022. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Abnormal oral habits: A review
N. Shahraki, S. Yassaei* and M. Goldani Moghadam
Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Accepted 12 August, 2022
Abstract
Oral habits are learned patterns of muscle contraction and have a very complex nature. They are associated with anger, hunger, sleep, tooth eruption and fear. Some children even display oral habits for release of mental tension. These habits might be non-nutritive sucking (thumb, finger, pacifier and/or tongue), lip biting and bruxism events. These habits can result in damage to dentoalveolar structure; hence, dentists play a crucial role in giving necessary information to parents. This information includes relevant changes in the dentoalveolar structure and the method to stop oral habits. Also, a dentist is required to treat the ensuring malocclusion.
Key words: Oral habit, pacifier, bruxism, hand sucking, nail biting, lip chewing.