1. Bad Oral Habits  Crunching ice cubes (cold temperature can cause teeth to fracture & causes microscopic cracks in the surface of enamel)  Popcorn kernels (undue stress on tooth & cause it to fracture)  Pits of fruit: peaches, apricots & plums  Sipping sugary soda (sweet & acidic beverages can foster tooth decay)

2.  Thumb sucking  A normal baby reflex usually begins by 3 months of age  Common in adults  During childhood & adolescence: Can cause facial deformities (crooked teeth, an open bite, an overbite & others)  Causes: o Early step to self- regulate emotions o Helps the child to relax & focus attention o Provides comfort & security (tends to occur when baby is tired, bored, anxious or upset)

3. o Often increases when breast or bottle feedings decrease  This habit is strongest during the first 6 months.  The American Dental Association advises that a child can probably suck his thumb until he is 4 or 5 years old without damaging his teeth or jaw line  Thumb sucking must be stopped before a child’s permanent teeth come in (at age 6 or 7)  Dental effects:  Effects correlate with frequency, intensity, duration & nature of this habit  Most common effect: movement of the central incisors upward & interiorly resulting in an anterior open bite

4.  Intervention:  Plan together with the child by telling him in basic terms why thumb sucking should be stopped (the success of any intervention depends on the child’s willingness to participate)  Assist the child in interrupting this habit use rubber bands, band aids, strings Or a special night shirt with hands sewn with older children (mind choking hazards with younger children)  Start a reward system (using a star chart, stickers or a habit calendar).. Ensure that the child is ready & agreeable  Encourage the use of stuffed animals or other comfort objects

5.  Ignore thumb before the age of 4  Help the child overcome any stressful situation  Advise parents to be available for the first difficult days and to plan activities to occupy the child’s hands: drawing, craft projects, puzzles & games  Thumb sucking to relax & fall asleep takes the longest to eliminate.. Parents to be available during bed time  Using a glove or puppet sock  Praise the child when not socking thumb  Parents may consult an expert (certified oral myologist)  Consider recommending a pacifier especially during sleeping

6.  What to avoid:  Dental appliances  Elastic wrap or splints  Bitter-tasting medicines  Using teeth as tools  This may traumatize your teeth, causing the edge of a tooth to chip off or even fracture  Grinding your teeth  A nervous habit reflecting anxiety  During day or night it wears them down  Your dentist may suggest wearing a mouth guard

7.  Smoking (cigarettes, pipe or shisha)  Can increase your chance of developing a life threatening illness  Side effects include a long list of negative cosmetic effects, a reduced sense of smell and taste, bad breath, a receding gum line & yellow-tined teeth also it is a major cause of tooth loss in adults  Other impacts on oral health include: chewing & speech; self-esteem; financial; Inflammation of the salivary glands openings on the roof of the mouth; Increased build up of plaque & tartar on the teeth; increased bone loss within the jaw; gum disease; delayed healing process after tooth extraction; Lower success of implants

8.  Quitting can quickly lower your risk of developing oral cancer  Break the bad oral habits  Floss at least once a day  Brush after every meal  Clean your tongue  Replace your toothbrush regularly  eat a balanced diet  Regular dental visits