When parents think about their child’s teeth, genetics is often the first thing that comes to mind.
And genetics certainly plays a major role in how the teeth, jaws and bite develop.
However, there are also a number of everyday habits that can influence dental development during childhood. The good news is that many of these habits are things parents can recognise and manage early if needed.
Most are nothing to worry about. In fact, many are completely normal parts of childhood.
The key is simply understanding which habits may affect development if they continue for too long.
Thumb Sucking and Dummy Use
Thumb sucking and dummy use are among the most common childhood habits.
In the early years, these behaviours are usually completely normal and rarely cause concern.
The issue tends to arise when the habit continues as adult teeth begin to emerge.
Prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use may contribute to:
- Changes in the position of the front teeth
- Bite problems
- Altered jaw development
It’s important not to panic if your child sucks their thumb or uses a dummy. Most children naturally outgrow these habits.
The goal is simply to encourage them to move on from them as they get older.
Long-Term Bottle Use
Another habit worth paying attention to is prolonged bottle feeding.
Once children are developmentally ready to transition to a cup, continuing bottle use for an extended period may contribute to dental and bite-related concerns.
It can also increase the risk of tooth decay, particularly if children regularly fall asleep with a bottle.
Transitioning to a cup at an appropriate age is a simple step that supports healthy dental development.
Mouth Breathing
Of all the habits I discuss with parents, mouth breathing is one of the most important.
Children who consistently breathe through their mouth rather than their nose may develop different patterns of facial and jaw growth.
Signs of mouth breathing can include:
- Sleeping with the mouth open
- Snoring
- Dry lips
- Restless sleep
- Sitting with the mouth open at rest
Mouth breathing is often related to issues such as allergies, enlarged tonsils, enlarged adenoids or chronic nasal congestion.
Because these factors can influence growth over time, it’s worth seeking advice if you notice persistent mouth breathing.
Diet Matters Too
One habit that often gets overlooked is chewing.
For most of human history, children ate foods that required significant chewing.
Today, many foods are softer and more processed, which means growing jaws may receive less stimulation than they once did.
Encouraging children to eat a balanced diet that includes foods requiring regular chewing may help support healthy jaw development.
Examples include:
- Fresh fruits
- Raw vegetables
- Lean meats
- Nuts (when age appropriate and safe)
These foods don’t replace orthodontic treatment when it’s needed, but they do encourage normal jaw function.
Small Habits Can Add Up
Parents occasionally ask about habits such as:
- Nail biting
- Chewing pens or pencils
- Lip biting
- Resting the chin on a hand
These habits are generally less significant than thumb sucking or mouth breathing.
However, when repetitive habits continue over many years, they can sometimes place pressure on the teeth and jaws.
The important thing is awareness, not worry.
Most Children Develop Normally
One of the most reassuring things I can tell parents is that most children develop healthy smiles despite a few childhood habits along the way.
The purpose of understanding these habits isn’t to create anxiety.
It’s simply to recognise factors that may influence growth so that concerns can be addressed early if necessary.
Orthodontic Assessments in Thirroul
At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly help families from Corrimal to Thirroul and throughout the northern Illawarra better understand how their child’s teeth and jaws are developing.
Often, a simple assessment provides reassurance that everything is progressing normally.
Other times, it helps identify a habit or developmental issue that may benefit from early attention.
Because when it comes to growing smiles, small habits can sometimes make a bigger difference than many parents realise, and understanding them is one of the simplest ways to support healthy development.
