Common Habits That Affect Children’s Teeth and Oral Health. Learn how to protect your child’s healthy smile!

During childhood, the facial tissues and organs are continuously developing. Some seemingly minor habits that parents may overlook could lead to negative consequences for a child’s facial development. Timely correction can help reduce the negative impact on the oral cavity. Today, let’s go over a few common bad habits that are often ignored but can cause serious harm to the development of teeth and facial structure.

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Harmful Habits That Affect Dental Development

Thumb Sucking

It can block the eruption of permanent teeth and the development of the jawbone, often causing the upper and lower teeth to be unable to meet properly, leading to an open bite.

Tongue Thrusting

When the tongue often rests between the upper and lower teeth, the imbalance of internal and external muscle forces causes the upper dental arch to narrow. At the same time, the back teeth do not close properly, and excessive eruption of the molars forces the lower jaw to grow downward and backward, affecting facial appearance.

Lip Biting

Under the influence of the lower lip muscles, the upper front teeth may tilt forward, creating gaps. This leads to upper dental arch protrusion and lower jaw retraction. In severe cases, it may also hinder the normal development of the upper lip.

Mouth Breathing

The habit of breathing with the mouth open can cause excessive eruption of the molars, making the lower jaw rotate downward and backward, eventually forming a long-face appearance.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Causes severe wear of the teeth. Children who grind their teeth often wear down the hard surface of the enamel, making teeth thinner and more sensitive to hot, cold, or other stimuli.

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What Should Parents Do?

During a child’s growth, parents often focus too much on nutrition and intellectual development while overlooking abnormal behaviors or bad habits that may affect oral development. Parents need to pay closer attention and guide their children to correct these habits.

At an early age, before any obvious malocclusion has formed, it is generally recommended that parents help children break bad habits on their own. For example, provide effective companionship and pay attention to the child’s emotions. It is not recommended to use methods like applying chili water or bitter liquids, as these may worsen the habits.

If a child has already developed noticeable dental or jaw misalignment, it is advised to consult a pediatric dentist in time, and consider treatments such as habit-breaking appliances, orthodontic devices, or braces to improve dental and facial appearance.

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Other Habits That Benefit Children’s Teeth

Brushing Morning and Night

Encourage children to brush their teeth in the morning and at night, for no less than 2 minutes each time. Correct their brushing posture to ensure thorough cleaning.

Using the Best Toothbrush for Kids in Malaysia

Choosing the right toothbrush is key to healthy oral care for children. The FAFC Kids Toothbrush, known as one of the best toothbrushes for kids in Malaysia, features a small brush head and ultra-soft, densely packed bristles that gently clean delicate teeth and gums.

With 5,500 fine bristles, it ensures a thorough yet gentle clean, while its quick-drying and antibacterial design helps maintain hygiene. The protective cap keeps the brush clean and helps prevent the spread of airborne germs — giving parents peace of mind every day.