Oral habits in children-A prevalence study

Aim: The aim of the study is to find out the most common oral habit prevalent in children. Background: Oral habits, especially if they persist beyond the preschool age, have been implicated as an important environmental etiological factor associated with the development of malocclusion. Prevention of the habit may help in eliminating the malocclusion. Early detection and elimination of the habit will go a long way in reducing and eliminating the incidence of malocclusion. Since habits can cause a change in the skeletal and dental pattern which become established at the end of growth that will require surgical procedures to correct the malocclusion. Reason: This study is undertaken for early detection and elimination of the most common oral habit which will help preventing the malocclusion.