Malocclusion: How Harmful Oral Habits Affect Children’s Dental Health

At By The Lake Dental, we are committed to understanding the long-term impact of oral health habits developed during childhood. Malocclusion, when teeth are misaligned, is more than an aesthetic concern. It can affect chewing, biting, speech, and overall health and well-being. That’s why our dentists are raising awareness about the role of harmful oral habits and how early intervention can make a lasting difference.

What Causes Malocclusion in Children?

While genetics can play a part, our dentists and dental team at By The Lake Dental frequently sees cases of malocclusion caused by preventable oral habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing. According to the study “Influence of Oral Habits on Paediatric Malocclusion: Etiology and Preventive Approaches”, these behaviours disrupt the natural development of the teeth and jaw, especially when they persist beyond early childhood. Addressing these habits early is essential to prevent more complex dental problems later in life.

Common Habits That Lead to Malocclusion

• Thumb Sucking: Can lead to open bites and even maxillary protrusion or crossbites, especially if the habit continues beyond the age of four. Can result in an open bite, where the front teeth do not meet when the child bites down properly.

• Tongue Thrusting: Occurs when a child’s tongue pushes against their teeth during swallowing. It can create both dental and skeletal abnormalities, especially when paired with other harmful habits.

• Mouth Breathing: Habitual mouth breathing, particularly when linked to nasal obstructions, can cause a range of dental issues. This may lead to a narrower dental arch and a protruding upper jaw, resulting in conditions like Class II malocclusion, open bites, and crossbites.

These habits may appear harmless, but if they continue after primary teeth have fallen out, they can affect the structure of the mouth and require orthodontic care later in life.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Pediatricians and dentists stress the importance of early intervention in identifying and addressing these habits before they cause significant problems. Some methods of intervention include:

• Gentle habit-breaking techniques to encourage healthier alternatives.

• Breathing exercises to help shift children from mouth breathing to nasal breathing.

• Parental education on the risks associated with these habits to encourage healthier practices at home.

• Dental intervention through orthodontic treatments.

Early intervention can ensure not only a beautiful smile but also a strong foundation for a child’s health.

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to address malocclusion is through early recognition and intervention. Our dentists and orthodontists strongly recommend appliances like:

• Thumb cribs to prevent thumb sucking. Palatal guards to help correct tongue positioning and prevent tongue thrusting.

• Braces or Invisalign to reposition teeth and fix malocclusion. With the right support, many children can stop these habits before they cause permanent dental misalignments.

• Behavioural techniques to break habits.

• Breathing exercises that promote nasal breathing.

• Educational guidance for parents.

A Multidisciplinary Approach for Effective Treatment

Our experience at By The Lake Dental shows that the best results often come from a team-based approach. We work closely with ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists, speech therapists, and Paediatricians to provide full-spectrum care. For example, when nasal issues contribute to mouth breathing, an ENT evaluation is required. Tongue thrusting and thumb sucking may need the attention of both a dentist and a speech therapist.

Collaboration among healthcare professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to the child’s care, improving the chances of successful treatment to address tongue posture and swallowing habits.

Prevention and Treatment at By The Lake Dental

Our kids' dentists offer preventive care and orthodontic solutions tailored to each child. Options may include:

• Thumb cribs to discourage thumb sucking.

• Palatal guards to correct tongue position.

• Braces or Invisalign to realign teeth.

By taking action early, many children can avoid complex treatments later on and develop a healthy foundation for life.

If your child is experiencing malocclusion or any oral habit that could lead to it, book a FREE Orthodontic consultation with our children’s dentists and orthodontists to ensure the best care for your child’s oral health and overall well-being. Healthy habits begin at home, but the guidance of a professional dental team makes all the difference. At By The Lake Dental, our mission is to support families with the tools and knowledge they need to protect their children’s oral health. If you’re concerned about harmful oral habits or signs of malocclusion, don’t wait.

Ready to experience outstanding dental care? Contact By The Lake Dental, your favourite dental office in Ajax and Scarborough. Book your appointment with our pediatric dentists today!

Why choose By The Lake Dental:

✅ +10 years caring for our community’s oral health needs

✅ A Platinum+ Invisalign dental office

✅ Direct billing to benefit provider

✅ Cutting-edge technology

✅ Full service family care

✅ Concierge experience

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Call us today: Ajax 905-428-2111, Highland Creek 416-284-8282.

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