Etiology of Oral Habits

Resident’s Name: Joanne Lewis Date: May 1, 2009
Article title: Etiology of Oral Habits
Author(s): Ruben E. Bayardo, DDS, MS, et al
Journal: Journal of Dentistry for Children
Volume (number): 350
Month, Year: September/October 1996
Major topic: Oral habits in children
Type of Article: Chart review
Main Purpose: To determine general epidemiologic data of oral habits and some possible factors associated with them.
Overview of method of research: 1600 parental questionnaires regarding patients 2 to 15 years of age who were seen in a private pediatric dental practice in Guadalajara, Mexico from 1977 to 1992 were analyzed. Oral habits were classified by type: digital sucking, lip or tongue sucking, bruxism, onychophagia (nail biting), mouth breathing, and other. Other information, such as family structure and past and present illnesses, was also gathered and classified.
Findings: 56.8% of patients demonstrated some type of oral habit, with 23.7% presenting with onychophagia, 23.6% with bruxism, 11.7% with mouth breathing, 11.3% with digital sucking, 6.9% with lip or tongue sucking, and 2.4% with other habits. Girls showed a greater susceptibility towards the development of oral habits, as did only children. There was a statistically significant correlation between poor physical health, especially chronic conditions such as allergies, and oral habits.
Key points/Summary: Prevention and treatment of oral habits should be perceived as a behavior problem that affects the oral cavity. This problem is significantly influenced by family, social, environmental and biological factors and should be treated with a multidisciplinary approach.
Assessment of article: Large sample size makes for a good epidemiological study.