CMT Oral Habits & Parafunctional Behaviors

Question 1

What is the most common parafunctional oral habit addressed by myofunctional therapists in pediatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Digit sucking (thumb sucking)

Answer

Bruxism

Answer

Lip biting

Answer

Cheek sucking

Question 2

Up to what age is non-nutritive sucking (thumb or pacifier) generally considered developmentally normal and not requiring intervention?

Accepted Answer

3–4 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

2 years

Answer

5–6 years

Question 3

Tongue thrust is defined as an abnormal swallowing pattern in which the tongue:

Accepted Answer

Presses forward or laterally against or between the teeth during swallowing

Answer

Retracts posteriorly during swallowing

Answer

Elevates to the hard palate without dental contact

Answer

Moves in a rotary pattern similar to adult mastication

Question 4

Prolonged thumb sucking beyond age 4 is most commonly associated with which dental malocclusion?

Accepted Answer

Anterior open bite

Answer

Deep overbite

Answer

Posterior crossbite

Answer

Class III underbite

Question 5

A retained visceral (infantile) swallow pattern in older children is best characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Tongue pressing against lower incisors with visible mentalis muscle activation

Answer

Tongue tip elevated to the incisive papilla with complete lip seal

Answer

Mandible stabilized by masseter contraction with tongue in mid-palatal position

Answer

Soft palate elevation with isolated pharyngeal constriction

Question 6

Which pacifier nipple shape is generally considered most favorable for orofacial development?

Accepted Answer

Flat (orthodontic) nipple

Answer

Round (cherry-shaped) nipple

Answer

Elongated cylindrical nipple

Answer

All pacifier types have equivalent impact

Question 7

What is the clinical term for the parafunctional habit of chronically biting or chewing on fingernails?

Accepted Answer

Onychophagia

Answer

Bruxism

Answer

Trichotillomania

Answer

Dermatophagia