COM Oral Habits & Behavior Modification Flashcards

Bruxism (teeth grinding) is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder and may contribute to which orofacial issue?

Answer: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and tooth wear

Bruxism generates excessive occlusal forces that accelerate tooth wear and can damage temporomandibular joint structures over time.

Which term describes the habit of pressing or sucking the tongue against the teeth during swallowing or at rest?

Answer: Tongue thrust

Tongue thrust is the forward or lateral pressure of the tongue against the teeth during swallowing or at rest, a common focus of myofunctional therapy.

When counseling parents about their child's thumb-sucking habit, an orofacial myologist should first:

Answer: Assess the frequency, duration, and intensity of the habit

Assessing habit frequency, duration, and intensity determines the severity and guides the appropriate intervention strategy.

Which motivational approach is most effective when working with school-age children to eliminate oral habits?

Answer: Child-centered goal setting and intrinsic motivation

Child-centered goal setting builds intrinsic motivation, which is more durable and effective than externally imposed correction for school-age children.

A pacifier habit extending beyond age 3 is most likely to cause which orthodontic issue?

Answer: Anterior open bite and posterior crossbite

Prolonged pacifier use tends to produce an anterior open bite and a posterior crossbite due to the forces exerted on the dental arches.

What is 'habit reversal training' primarily designed to address?

Answer: Replacing an unwanted habit with an incompatible competing response

Habit reversal training teaches patients to substitute a competing, incompatible behavior whenever they feel the urge to perform the target habit.