Oral Habits In Children Flashcards
Effects of non nutritive sucking habits
Found to reduce incidence of sudden infant death
- Open bite
- Increased overjet (upper incisors proclined, lower incisors retro lined)
- Posterior cross bite (upper cheek pushed inwards due to sucking)
- High palatal vault, due to increased pressure
Orthopedic changes eg decreased length of thumb that is sucked on
Herpetic whitlow
Otitis media
Speech defects if over jet very severe
Social impact
How does age of cessation of non nutritive sucking affect dentition
Increased posterior cross bite at 24 months
Increased overjet at 36 months Increased AOB at 48 months
Effects permanent if habits persist into eruption of incisors
Non nutritive sucking habit usually stops at what age
Between 2-4 years
Methods to consider for patient who wishes to stop finger sucking
Counselling if patient mature enough to understand consequences
Reward system
Reminders eg unpleasant taste of nail polish
Adjunctive therapy eg ACE bandage, thumb guard, blue grass appliance, palatal crib
What are some possible consequences of bruxism
Pulpal necrosis
Aesthetics
Functional tissue TMD
Why is bruxism common in children
Up to 15% of children report bruxism
Condyle a bit looser as articular eminence not fully developed yet
Tooth eruption may form occlusal interference —> grind down
Possible causes of bruxism
Stress
Occlusal interference
Allergies
Treatment for bruxism
Counselling if due to stress
Mouthguard
Clonazepam
Botox administered to masseters, lasts for 11 wks
Problems with use of mouthguard in children who brux
Developing dentition in child —> mouth guard no longer fit, need to be changed frequently
Problem with compliance
Dental problem associated with tongue thrusting
AOB
What is infantile swallowing
In babies, tongue usually positioned forwards and tip protrudes. This is to achieve anterior lip seal
As the incisors erupt, position of the tongue retracts aka adult swallowing
Treatment for tongue thrust
Tongue exercises
Myofunctional appliance
