Habit breaker for orthodontic person

As an orthodontic patient, it's common to develop habits that can hinder the effectiveness of your treatment or even damage your teeth and appliances. Here are some common habits and tips to help you break them:

Habit 1: Thumb Sucking or Finger Sucking

• Why it's a problem: Thumb sucking can push your teeth forward and widen your arch, which can affect the alignment of your teeth and the success of your orthodontic treatment.
• How to break the habit:
  • Keep your hands busy with a stress ball, fidget toy, or a puzzle.
  • Use a bitter-tasting nail polish or a thumb guard to deter sucking.
  • Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.

Habit 2: Nail Biting or Picking

• Why it's a problem: Nail biting or picking can damage your teeth, gums, and orthodontic appliances, and can also lead to infections.
• How to break the habit:
  • Keep your nails trimmed short to reduce the temptation to bite or pick.
  • Use a nail strengthener or a bitter-tasting nail polish to deter biting or picking.
  • Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.

Habit 3: Chewing on Objects (e.g., pens, pencils, ice)

• Why it's a problem: Chewing on objects can damage your teeth, orthodontic appliances, and gums, and can also lead to infections.
• How to break the habit:
  • Keep healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or carrot sticks handy to satisfy your urge to chew.
  • Use a chew toy or a stress ball to redirect your chewing habit.
  • Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.

Habit 4: Mouth Breathing

• Why it's a problem: Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, and gum recession, which can affect the success of your orthodontic treatment.
• How to break the habit:
  • Practice nasal breathing exercises to strengthen your nasal passages and reduce mouth breathing.
  • Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and reduce dryness.
  • Avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks that can contribute to dry mouth.

Habit 5: Not Brushing or Flossing Regularly

• Why it's a problem: Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and infections, which can affect the success of your orthodontic treatment.
• How to break the habit:
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
  • Use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

Remember, breaking habits takes time and effort, but it's worth it to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Be patient, stay consistent, and work with your orthodontist to overcome these habits and achieve the best possible results from your treatment.