Oral habits until 3 years of age are considered normal. Oral habits that are prevalent well beyond the normal age frequently result in facial deformity and malocclusions. We all have habits: things we do everyday often without consciously thinking. Some of them are good but not all of them. That’s why it’s important to prevent your child from developing harmful habits. Pacifier sucking, followed by thumb/finger sucking are the most common harmful habits in childhood. There are various reasons for developing thumb sucking habit, significant relationship exists between duration and intensity of thumb sucking and the amount of time spent in feeding sessions. Thumb and finger sucking are believed to cause a number of changes in the dental arch and the supporting structures. Some of the effects of thumb sucking are: Forward position of the upper and lower front teeth. Increased horizontal gap between the upper and lower front teeth leading to increased overjet of teeth. Increased vertical gap between the upper and lower front teeth leading to open bite. Development of tongue thrusting habit, secondary to thumb sucking due to open bite. Narrow dental arches Smaller upper lip Soft tissue lesion on the thumb/Deformation of the thumb Short finger nail Increased risk of trauma to upper front teeth, to psychological health, speech defect (Especially lisping), middle ear infection and enlarged tonsils. Some of the children who do not stop this habit, will give it up when their permanent teeth erupt, but there is a tendency for continuing the thumb sucking habit even until adult life. In today’s highly stressed environment, school/college going kids are subjected to various kinds of pressure/stress in different forms. Oral habit can be a form of distressing. Parents should play the role of friend, emotional support and a guide to the child rather than shamming or nagging them. If the habit is causing a dental problem, it is our responsibility as dentists and parents to work with the child towards resolving the problem. Dr. Deepak Kamalanathan, one of the leading prosthodontists in Chennai, brings years of experience in advanced dental care to his flourishing practice at Apple Dental. He is well-versed on advanced dental technologies. Services provided by the doctor include Zirconia, DMLS and PFM Crowns, Implant Prosthesis, Full Mouth Oral Rehabilitation, Veneers, BPS Dentures Fixing, Smile Design, Implant Retained Dentures etc. With highly trained dental team and state-of-the-art facilities, he is passionate about bringing high quality dental care to his patients at affordable costs. Don’t wait any longer to achieve your perfect smile. Let us help you restore your confidence and improve your oral health. From routine check-ups to complex procedures, our team of dental experts at Apple Dental have got you covered.