COM COM Oral Habits & Behavior Modification

Question 1

Which non-nutritive sucking habit is most strongly associated with an anterior open bite in children?

Accepted Answer

Thumb or finger sucking

Answer

Prolonged thumb or finger sucking exerts continuous anterior pressure that prevents full eruption of the incisors, creating an anterior open bite.

Question 2

What is the recommended maximum age by which non-nutritive sucking habits should cease to minimize dental effects?

Accepted Answer

36 months

Answer

Most professional guidelines recommend elimination of non-nutritive sucking habits by 36 months to reduce the risk of lasting dental and skeletal effects.

Question 3

Which behavior modification technique uses a visual chart and rewards to reinforce a child's progress in habit elimination?

Accepted Answer

Positive reinforcement with a star chart

Answer

A star chart paired with rewards provides positive reinforcement that motivates children to track and sustain habit elimination.

Question 4

A lip-sucking habit most commonly affects which teeth first?

Accepted Answer

Upper incisors (labioversion) and lower incisors (linguoversion)

Answer

Lip sucking draws the lower lip inward, tipping upper incisors forward (labioversion) and lower incisors backward (linguoversion).

Question 5

Which oral appliance is sometimes used as a reminder device to discourage tongue thrusting and thumb sucking?

Accepted Answer

Palatal crib

Answer

A palatal crib creates a physical barrier that prevents the tongue or thumb from contacting the anterior palate, interrupting the habit.

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

COM COM Oral Habits & Behavior Modification