Which habit is most commonly associated with malocclusion?

Which habit is most commonly associated with malocclusion?

• A. Tongue thrusting
• B. Inferior lip biting
• C. Thumb/finger sucking
• D. Oral breathing

Answer: (C)

Thumb or finger sucking places persistent, abnormal pressure against the upper front teeth and the palate. This tends to push the maxillary incisors forward (proclination) and can create an increased overjet and often an anterior open bite if the habit continues. The effect on the upper arch can also lead to a narrower maxillary arch, which may contribute to other malocclusion patterns. While tongue thrusting and mouth breathing can influence bite and alignment, they are less commonly the primary habit linked to malocclusion, and lip biting isn’t as consistently associated.

Thumb or finger sucking places persistent, abnormal pressure against the upper front teeth and the palate. This tends to push the maxillary incisors forward (proclination) and can create an increased overjet and often an anterior open bite if the habit continues. The effect on the upper arch can also lead to a narrower maxillary arch, which may contribute to other malocclusion patterns. While tongue thrusting and mouth breathing can influence bite and alignment, they are less commonly the primary habit linked to malocclusion, and lip biting isn’t as consistently associated.