Early childhood is a crucial time for dental development, and poor oral habits during these formative years can lead to misalignment issues that persist into adulthood. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we see how habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting can impact teeth alignment and jaw development, often resulting in the need for orthodontic treatment later on. By addressing these habits early, parents can help set their children on the path to a healthy, well-aligned smile.
Here’s a closer look at how some common oral habits in childhood affect teeth alignment—and how early intervention can make a difference.
Thumb and Finger Sucking
Thumb and finger sucking are natural reflexes for babies and young children, but when these habits persist beyond age four, they can start to impact dental alignment and jaw development. Continuous thumb sucking puts pressure on the upper front teeth, causing them to protrude and creating the potential for an “open bite,” where the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. This habit can also limit the natural growth of the lower jaw, leading to improper jaw alignment over time.
The earlier thumb or finger sucking is addressed, the easier it is to prevent these alignment issues. Encouraging alternative comfort habits and consulting with a pediatric orthodontist can help break the habit and reduce the risk of misaligned teeth.
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing, often linked to chronic nasal congestion or allergies, can have a profound effect on jaw and dental alignment. Children who breathe primarily through their mouths rather than their noses may have a harder time achieving proper tongue posture. Instead of resting on the roof of the mouth, the tongue tends to sit low in the mouth, which can prevent the upper jaw from developing to its full width. This can result in a narrow dental arch and crowded teeth, as well as a longer, more narrow facial structure.
At Ahava Orthodontics, we work with parents to identify signs of mouth breathing and recommend strategies to address this issue, such as myofunctional therapy or medical interventions for underlying nasal or respiratory problems. Correcting mouth breathing early can support natural jaw growth and reduce the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.
Tongue Thrusting
Tongue thrusting is a habit in which the tongue pushes against the teeth when swallowing or at rest. This repeated pressure on the teeth can cause them to shift forward, potentially leading to an open bite or spacing issues. Tongue thrusting may also hinder proper jaw development, as the tongue isn’t positioned in a way that supports natural jaw expansion.
Tongue thrusting can be challenging to correct without guidance, so our team at Ahava Orthodontics often recommends myofunctional therapy to help children learn healthier swallowing patterns and tongue posture. By addressing tongue thrusting early, we can help children develop a more balanced bite and better-aligned teeth.
Prolonged Use of Pacifiers and Bottles
While pacifiers and bottles can be comforting for young children, prolonged use—especially beyond age two—can affect the alignment of teeth and jaw development. Similar to thumb sucking, prolonged sucking on pacifiers or bottles exerts pressure on the upper front teeth, potentially causing them to protrude or create an open bite. Extended pacifier or bottle use can also restrict the development of the lower jaw, leading to a less balanced bite.
To reduce these risks, we encourage parents to limit pacifier and bottle use as children approach their second birthday. Our team at Ahava Orthodontics can provide personalized guidance on helping children transition away from pacifiers and bottles to support natural dental development.
Lip and Cheek Biting
Some children develop a habit of biting or sucking on their lips or cheeks, which can exert pressure on the teeth and jaws. Consistently pressing the lips or cheeks against the teeth can push the teeth out of alignment over time, leading to crowding, crooked teeth, or bite asymmetry. Lip and cheek biting may be less common than thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, but it can still have a significant impact on alignment.
Our orthodontic team is here to help parents recognize these habits and offer strategies to redirect them. Addressing lip and cheek biting early can prevent alignment issues from developing, supporting a healthier smile as children grow.
Early Intervention to Prevent Misalignment
At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we believe in the importance of early intervention for correcting poor oral habits and supporting natural dental development. By identifying and addressing habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting, we can help guide children toward healthier oral postures that promote proper alignment and jaw growth. Our team may recommend:
- Myofunctional Therapy: This therapy involves exercises that train the muscles of the mouth and face to support proper tongue posture, swallowing, and lip closure. Myofunctional therapy can be especially effective for children with tongue thrusting or mouth breathing habits.
- Early Orthodontic Evaluations: Bringing children in for an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 allows us to identify any developing alignment issues and recommend early treatment if necessary. Early intervention, such as palate expanders or habit-correcting appliances, can help create space for teeth and encourage balanced jaw growth.
- Parental Guidance and Habit Correction: We work closely with parents to offer guidance on correcting habits like prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking, or mouth breathing. Our team provides personalized strategies that make it easier for children to transition away from these habits and develop healthy dental routines.
Why Addressing Oral Habits Early is Essential
Poor oral habits can impact more than just teeth alignment. Mouth breathing, thumb sucking, and other habits can influence facial development, breathing, and speech. Early intervention is key to minimizing these effects and preventing the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future. By helping children break these habits early, we can support healthier growth and development, leading to a well-aligned smile that contributes to overall health and confidence.
If you’re concerned about your child’s oral habits or teeth alignment, the team at Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about how we can support your child’s dental health through early intervention and habit correction.
