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

Digit sucking is the most prevalent parafunctional oral habit in children and is a primary focus of myofunctional therapy intervention.

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

Non-nutritive sucking is considered developmentally normal up to ages 3–4; after this period, persistent habits can significantly affect dental and orofacial development.

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

Tongue thrust involves forward or lateral tongue pressure against or between the teeth during swallowing, which can cause or perpetuate malocclusion.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Anterior open bite

Answer

Prolonged thumb sucking typically causes an anterior open bite due to the physical pressure of the digit preventing normal vertical eruption of the front teeth.

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

A retained infantile swallow is characterized by the tongue pressing against the lower incisors, often with visible mentalis (chin) muscle activation and lip strain.

(CMT) Certified Myofunctional Therapist Practice Test

(CMT) Certified Myofunctional Therapist Practice Test

CMT Oral Habits & Parafunctional Behaviors