Bad oral habits are not just about a simple "bad habit." They can have a significant impact on your overall oral health and aesthetic appearance. In this blog, we will discuss some common bad oral habits that you should be aware of, as well as their potential consequences on your face, jaw, and teeth.
Common Bad Oral Habits to Watch Out For:
Lip/Tongue Sucking: Frequent sucking on the lips or tongue can lead to misalignment of the teeth and affect the development of the jaw.
Lip Biting: Biting the lower, side, or upper lip can cause injury to the delicate lip tissues and potentially lead to infections. It can also impact the alignment of your teeth.
Thumb or Digit Sucking: Sucking the thumb or fingers beyond a certain age can disrupt the normal growth and development of the teeth and jaw.
Nail or Object Biting: Biting nails or objects not only damages your teeth and Jaw, but also introduces harmful bacteria into your mouth, increasing the risk of infections.
Hand Leaning: Resting your hand on your face or chin puts unnecessary pressure on the jaw joint, which can contribute to jaw pain, jaw clicking and dysfunction.
Sleeping with Hands Under the Face or Pillow: Sleeping in such positions can lead to sustained pressure on the jaw and cause misalignment over time.
Cheek Biting: Biting the inside of your cheek may lead to tissue damage and can move the jaw to one side, resulting in jaw misalignment & facial asymmetry.
Facial Mannerisms: Frequent jaw movement to one side as a mannerism can cause uneven pressure distribution on the jaw joints and teeth, leading to jaw problems & facial asymmetry.
Dysfunctional Smile Patterns: Having a dysfunctional smile pattern with the tongue positioned between the teeth can affect the alignment and development of the teeth.
Consequences of Bad Oral Habits:
Regularly practicing these bad oral habits can harm the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) specifically, leading to jaw shifting or deviation and other jaw-related issues. Moreover, facial asymmetry may develop over time due to the persistent impact on the jaw from these habits. If you observe that one side of your face looks different from the other, it could be an indication of a history of prolonging bad oral habits and a dysfunctional chewing or swallowing pattern.
How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help:
If you notice that you have one or more of these bad oral habits and you frequently engage in them, it is essential to seek professional help. Myofunctional therapy can be an effective solution in addressing these issues. By retraining the muscles and correcting the improper oral habits, myofunctional therapy can enhance jaw function, alleviate discomfort, and improve facial aesthetics.
Conclusion:
Understanding the consequences of bad oral habits is crucial for maintaining your oral health and facial symmetry. By recognizing and addressing these habits, you can protect your jaw, teeth, and overall facial appearance. If you would like to learn more about how myofunctional therapy can help you break these habits and achieve optimal oral health, please contact us today!
Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional dental or medical advice.
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