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Chapter 8: Oral Habits
Introduction
Oral habits, including nonnutritive sucking, teeth grinding (bruxism), and nail biting, are extremely common habits in children and are often a source of concern for families and questions for the pediatrician. The information provided in this chapter is intended to help you appropriately reassure or address concerns and, when necessary, intervene.

Sections
1.
 Nonnutritive Sucking
 
Pacifiers
 
Dental Effects
 
Intervention
2.
 Bruxism
3.
 Key Points
4.
 Self-Assessment Questions
 
Upon chapter completion, participants will be able to:
 
1.
 Discuss the benefits of nonnutritive sucking.
 
2.
 Summarize the AAP policy on pacifier use and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
 
3.
 State the dental effects of nonnutritive sucking and the suggested age for intervention.
 
4.
 Describe the oral effects and suggested management of bruxism.
View the Chapter 8 Photo Gallery.