Parafunctional habits in children refer to behaviors involving the oral cavity or muscles around the mouth that are outside the usual functional activities like eating or speaking. These habits can affect oral health and development. Some common parafunctional habits include:
Stress, misaligned teeth, or an abnormal bite can contribute to bruxism in children. It can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and in severe cases, damage to teeth and jaw joints.
Anxiety, stress, or imitation of others can lead children to bite their nails. Nail biting can result in damaged nails, potential infections, and in some cases, affect the alignment of teeth if it causes pressure on the jaw.
This can be accidental or due to stress or misaligned teeth. It can cause tissue damage, sores, and in some cases, contribute to oral health issues.
Some children may develop the habit of chewing on their tongue due to stress or as a self-soothing mechanism. Continuous tongue chewing can lead to irritation or damage to the tongue.
Mouth breathing can be caused by nasal congestion due to allergies, enlarged adenoids, or other blockages in the airways. It might also become a habit if a child regularly breathes through their mouth due to chronic nasal congestion. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, sleeping problems, and improper development of the face and jaw, potentially resulting in orthodontic issues.
Thumb sucking is a natural reflex in infants but can persist due to comfort or stress. If the habit persists beyond a certain age, it can become a habit difficult to break. Prolonged thumb sucking can affect the alignment of teeth, causing an overbite or changes in the roof of the mouth, which may require orthodontic treatment.
Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the teeth when swallowing or speaking, can be due to certain oral habits or issues with swallowing function. It can impact the positioning of teeth, leading to orthodontic problems and affecting speech patterns.
Certainly, those habits can have implications for a child’s health and development.
Addressing these habits typically involves a multi-disciplinary approach, involving pediatricians, dentists, and sometimes speech therapists or orthodontists. Interventions may include behavior modification techniques, devices like thumb guards, or treatments to address underlying issues like allergies or nasal congestion.
It’s essential to approach these habits with patience and understanding. Encouraging positive behavior and providing support can often help children overcome these habits gradually. Early intervention is beneficial to prevent potential long-term consequences on oral health and development.
In pediatric dentistry, several appliances are used to help break harmful oral habits in children. These appliances are designed to discourage or prevent habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing. Here are a few commonly used ones:
1. Thumb/Finger Appliances:
2. Tongue Thrust Appliances:
3. Mouth Breathing Appliances:
4. Habit Breaking Reminders:
These appliances are customized to suit the specific needs of each child and their habit. Their effectiveness relies on proper usage and cooperation from the child. Pediatric dentists often assess the habit and its effects before recommending a particular appliance. Additionally, behavioral techniques and positive reinforcement are commonly used alongside these appliances to encourage the child to break the habit successfully.
It’s important to consult a pediatric dentist or orthodontist to determine the most suitable appliance and approach for your child’s habit. Regular monitoring and follow-ups ensure that the appliance is working effectively and the habit is being addressed appropriately.
