Correction of Oral Habits in children

Presence of oral habit in 3-6 year old child is an important finding during clinical examination. O    Usually not present by 5-6 yrs of age. O    May cause adverse effects on the newly erupted incisors if the habit is not eliminated before the permanent incisors erupt. O    The change will begin to reverse naturally if the habit is stopped during the mixed dentition. O    With the absence of the forces of the habit the teeth will move toward a more neutral position. O    In some cases appliance therapy may be necessary. O    Some patient and parents may seek treatment because digit or pacifier habits become less socially acceptable as the child become older. O    The most important thing for success of treatment is the child must want to discontinue the habit.