Protect Your Smile: Brown Family Orthodontics on Harmful Oral Habits
Simple habits like nail biting and thumb sucking can shape your bite, jaw growth, and long-term smile health.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Meet the Doctors
Why Oral Habits Matter More Than Most People Think
The Most Common Harmful Oral Habits
Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers
Nail Biting
Tongue Thrust and Mouth Posture
Chewing on Objects and Ice
Lip and Cheek Biting
Clenching and Grinding
How Harmful Habits Can Affect Jaw Growth
How to Stop Harmful Oral Habits
Pro Tips for Parents
Pro Tips for Teens and Adults
Top Picks: Tools We Actually Recommend
Patient Spotlight
Why Choose Brown Family Orthodontics
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Most of us have a habit we do without thinking. Nail biting during a stressful moment. Chewing on a pen while working. A thumb habit that starts young and hangs on a little longer than expected. These habits can feel harmless because they are common, but over time, repeated pressure on teeth and jaws can influence alignment, bite development, and even jaw growth.
At Brown Family Orthodontics, we see the impact of oral habits every day. The good news is that awareness alone is powerful, and small changes can protect your smile in a big way. Whether you are a parent wondering if thumb sucking will affect your child’s bite, a teen trying to stop biting your nails, or an adult noticing bite changes and tooth wear, we are here to help you understand what is happening and what you can do next.
Our team is led by Dr. Jessica Ulmer (Dr. Jess) and Dr. Ed Brown III (Dr. Ed), and we are proud to serve families across seven locations in Mississippi and Louisiana. With over 50 years of trusted, family-owned care and a 5-star reputation with 150+ reviews, we believe orthodontic care should feel clear, supportive, and practical. We offer braces, Invisalign®, and Spark Aligners, and we also help patients understand the everyday habits that can protect their results long-term.
In this guide, we will break down the most common harmful oral habits, what they can do to your teeth and bite, how to stop them, and when orthodontic treatment can help you correct changes that have already started.
Meet the Doctors
At Brown Family Orthodontics, you are cared for by a team that blends experience, precision, and genuine encouragement.
Dr. Jessica Ulmer (Dr. Jess) is known for her thoughtful, patient-focused approach. She takes time to connect with patients, explain treatment in simple terms, and create a plan that fits real life. When it comes to habits like thumb sucking or nail biting, Dr. Jess helps families understand the “why” behind bite changes, then guides them with practical, doable next steps.
Dr. Ed Brown III (Dr. Ed) brings a steady, detail-driven approach to smile correction and long-term stability. He focuses on the foundation of the bite, not just straight teeth. Patients appreciate how clearly he explains what is happening, how habits may be influencing the bite, and what treatment options can create a healthy, lasting result.
Together, our doctors help patients feel confident through every stage, from early growth guidance to teen treatment to adult smile makeovers.
Why Oral Habits Matter More Than Most People Think
Teeth are not fixed like rocks. They respond to pressure. That is how orthodontics works: gentle, repeated pressure moves teeth into better positions.
The same concept applies to habits.
If a habit creates pressure on teeth, gums, or jaws repeatedly, over time, it can contribute to:
- Teeth shifting or flaring forward
- Spacing or crowding changes
- Bite changes like open bite or increased overjet
- Tooth wear, chips, or sensitivity
- Jaw tension or muscle fatigue
- Gum irritation or recession (in certain cases)
Not everyone with a habit will need orthodontic care. But repeated forces add up, especially during childhood growth years or during orthodontic treatment when teeth are already moving.
Pro tip: If you notice your bite looks different than it used to, or you are chipping front teeth, habits are a smart place to investigate first.
The Most Common Harmful Oral Habits
Here are the habits we see most often in kids, teens, and adults:
- Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Nail biting
- Tongue thrust (pushing the tongue against teeth)
- Chewing on pens, pencils, straws, or other objects
- Chewing ice
- Lip biting or cheek biting
- Clenching and grinding
Let’s break down what each one can do, and what you can do about it.
Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers
Thumb sucking is normal in early childhood. It is soothing and common. The concern is not that the habit exists. The concern is when it continues long enough to influence jaw growth and tooth position.
What thumb sucking can do to teeth and bite
Depending on frequency and intensity, prolonged thumb sucking can contribute to:
- Front teeth tipping forward
- Increased overjet (front teeth sticking out)
- An open bite (front teeth do not meet when biting down)
- Narrowing of the upper arch
- Bite imbalance that may require orthodontic correction later
When parents should start paying closer attention
Every child is different, but many families start watching more closely if the habit continues beyond early childhood, especially if you are seeing changes in tooth position or speech.
Our approach: We focus on patterns and development, not panic. If your child is still thumb sucking, we can evaluate growth, track bite development, and recommend the right next step.
What helps most
- Gentle encouragement, not punishment
- Positive reinforcement and small rewards
- Identifying triggers (tired, anxious, bored)
- Substituting comfort tools (stuffed animal, sensory item, bedtime routine changes)
- In some cases, a habit appliance is needed
If you are thinking, “We have tried everything,” you are not alone. Sometimes kids need a little extra support and structure, and that is okay.
Nail Biting
Nail biting is one of the most common habits we see, and it can persist into adulthood. Many people bite their nails without realizing it, especially under stress or when concentrating.
What does biting your nails do to your teeth?
Nail biting can:
- Wear down the edges of front teeth
- Increase the risk of small chips or cracks
- Put stress on the jaw muscles and joints
- Shift teeth over time, especially if the bite already has crowding
- Irritate gums (if nails press into tissue)
Why nail biting is so hard to stop
Nail biting often has a “loop”:
Trigger (stress or focus) → bite → brief relief → repeat.
If you only attack the behavior without addressing the trigger and replacement habit, it often returns.
How to stop biting your nails
The most effective strategy is usually a combination of awareness + replacement + barrier.
Try these:
- Make the habit visible: Track when it happens (driving, homework, meetings, watching TV).
- Replace the action: Keep a fidget, stress ball, or gum available for trigger moments.
- Create a barrier: Bitter nail polish, bandages, or keeping nails trimmed short.
- Reduce trigger stress: A quick reset routine helps: deep breath, sip of water, hands in pockets for 10 seconds.
- Reward progress: A 7-day goal is more realistic than “never again.”
Pro tip: If your nails are a stress outlet, focus on swapping the coping mechanism rather than just forcing your hands to stop.
Tongue Thrust and Mouth Posture
Tongue thrust is when the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing, speaking, or at rest. This can be subtle and often goes unnoticed.
What tongue posture can do
Over time, tongue pressure can contribute to:
- Front teeth moving forward
- Spacing between teeth
- Open bite development
- Relapse after orthodontic treatment if not addressed
This is one reason we pay attention to function, not only alignment. A stable smile is about how your bite functions day to day.
If we suspect tongue thrust or other functional issues, we may recommend additional support, such as habit coaching or therapy strategies, depending on the individual.
Chewing on Objects and Ice
Chewing on pens, pencils, bottle caps, or ice seems harmless until it chips a tooth or stresses a bracket.
How object chewing affects teeth
This habit can:
- Chip enamel
- Wear down biting edges
- Stress the jaw joints and muscles
- Damage braces brackets or wires
- Contribute to tooth movement if repeated consistently
If you love having something in your mouth while you work, the goal is to switch to a safer option and reduce its frequency.
Lip and Cheek Biting
Some people bite their cheeks or lips when nervous or when concentrating. Others do it because their bite alignment causes the cheek to get “caught” more easily.
This habit can lead to:
- Repeated sores
- Irritation and swelling
- Scar tissue in the cheek lining
- Ongoing discomfort
If cheek biting is happening because of your bite, orthodontic correction can sometimes reduce how often soft tissue gets trapped.
Clenching and Grinding
Clenching and grinding (often at night) is very common, especially during stress.
Signs you might be clenching or grinding
- Jaw soreness in the morning
- Headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Flattened or worn teeth
- Small chips
- Tight jaw muscles
Grinding does not always require orthodontic treatment, but it is important to address because it can accelerate tooth wear and cause jaw discomfort. Your dentist may recommend a nightguard if appropriate, and orthodontic bite correction can sometimes help reduce certain bite interferences.
If you suspect grinding, talk to your dentist or our team. Early support can protect enamel long-term.
How Harmful Habits Can Affect Jaw Growth
During growth years, habits can influence how the bite develops. That is why we talk so often about oral habits with kids and parents.
Repeated forces can:
- Encourage the upper jaw to narrow
- Create an imbalance in how teeth meet
- Influence where front teeth settle
- Contribute to bite patterns like open bite or increased overjet
This is not about blaming a child. It is about recognizing that growth is an opportunity. Early awareness can prevent the need for larger corrections later.
Pro tip: If your child has persistent habits and you are unsure what is normal, an orthodontic evaluation gives you answers and a plan.
How to Stop Harmful Oral Habits
Stopping a habit is easier when you stop thinking of it as “willpower” and start thinking of it as a system.
Here is the framework we recommend:
- Identify the trigger (stress, boredom, fatigue, focus)
- Create a replacement (hands busy, mouth busy, comfort routine)
- Add a barrier when needed (bitter polish, gloves, reminders)
- Reward progress in small time blocks (3 days, 7 days, 14 days)
- Get support if it is persistent (parents, doctor, coach, habit tools)
Social challenge: The 14-Day Habit Break
Pick one habit and commit to it for 14 days:
- Track triggers once daily
- Use one replacement tool
- Celebrate weekly progress
Most people notice a significant drop in frequency by day 14, even if the habit does not completely disappear.
Pro Tips for Parents
If you are helping a child stop thumb sucking or another habit, here are tips that actually work in real life:
- Make it a team goal, not a battle. “We’re working on this together.”
- Pick a calm time to talk about it. Not in the moment when you catch it.
- Use a simple reward chart. Small wins daily, bigger reward weekly.
- Swap the comfort routine. Add a bedtime story, sensory item, or calming routine.
- Praise progress out loud. Kids repeat what gets noticed.
- Ask us for help early. Early guidance can prevent bigger bite problems later.
Pro Tips for Teens and Adults
For older patients, habits are often connected to stress, focus, or anxiety. These tips help:
- Tie the new habit to an existing routine. Example: meetings = fidget in hand.
- Keep a must-have item nearby. Stress ball, ring, gum, or textured object.
- Use a visual reminder. Sticky note on laptop, phone lock-screen cue.
- Give yourself “reset moments.” Hands down, inhale, sip water, continue.
- Replace perfection with consistency. Lower frequency is a win.
Top Picks: Tools We Actually Recommend
Here are simple tools that help most patients, especially for nail biting and object chewing:
- Bitter nail polish (simple barrier, easy to start)
- Fidget tool (keeps hands busy during triggers)
- Sugar-free gum (for people who need a mouth replacement)
- Stress ball (great for work and school)
- Nail care routine (trimmed nails reduce temptation)
- Reward tracking (a calendar check mark works)
- Nightguard (for clenching and grinding, when recommended by your dentist)
Pro tip: Choose two tools max at first. Too many changes at once usually fails.
Patient Spotlight
We often see kids and teens who are frustrated with a habit that feels “stuck.” One common story is that of a child with a thumb habit who develops an open bite. Parents feel worried, and the child feels pressured.
When we approach it calmly and with a plan, everything shifts.
We set a simple goal, build a reward system, and give the family tools that fit their routine. As the habit decreases, the bite often stabilizes, and treatment planning becomes clearer. The biggest win is not just the bite. It is the confidence that the child can succeed and that the family has support.
That is the heart of what we do. We help you build a healthier smile and a healthier path to get there.
Why Choose Brown Family Orthodontics
At Brown Family Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care should feel trusted, clear, and encouraging. Families choose our practice because we offer:
- Care led by Dr. Jess and Dr. Ed
- Braces, Invisalign, and Spark Aligners options built around your goals
- Over 50 years of family-owned care focused on long-term stability
- A 5-star rating with 150+ reviews from patients who trust our team
- Support for both treatment and habits that protect results long-term
- Seven locations across Mississippi and Louisiana for convenience
If you are considering treatment options, check out our braces and clear aligners pages on brownfamilyortho.com, then schedule a consultation so we can evaluate your bite and goals in person.
Conclusion
Oral habits are common and often unconscious. But over time, repetitive pressure from habits such as nail biting, thumb sucking, and object chewing can affect tooth alignment, bite balance, and even jaw growth. The good news is that you do not have to figure it out alone. With the right awareness, simple tools, and a supportive plan, most patients can reduce harmful habits and protect their smile.
If you are ready to protect your bite, improve alignment, or get answers about how habits may be affecting your smile, we would love to meet you. Brown Family Orthodontics offers braces, Invisalign, and Spark Aligners across seven locations in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Visit brownfamilyortho.com or call the location closest to you:
- Chalmette: 504-455-1625
- Mandeville: 985-626-8297
- Metairie: 504-455-1625
- Marrero: 504-455-1625
- Madisonville: 985-893-1044
- Ocean Springs: 228-872-8153
- Pascagoula: 228-762-4403
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nail biting bad for teeth?
Yes. Nail biting can wear down enamel, chip front teeth, stress the jaw, and, in some cases, contribute to tooth movement over time.
What does thumb sucking do to your teeth?
Prolonged thumb sucking can contribute to front teeth flaring forward, open bite development, and upper arch narrowing, depending on frequency and intensity.
How do I stop biting my nails if I do it without thinking?
Start by identifying triggers, then add a replacement (fidget or gum) and a barrier (bitter polish). A 7-day goal is often more successful than “never again.”
Can orthodontic treatment fix changes caused by oral habits?
Yes. Braces and clear aligners can correct alignment and bite issues caused or worsened by habits. We also help you address the habit so the results stay stable.
Can oral habits affect jaw growth?
In growing kids, yes. Repeated pressure from habits can influence bite development and jaw growth patterns, especially over time.
Should my child see an orthodontist for thumb sucking?
If the habit is persistent or you are noticing bite changes, an orthodontic evaluation can help you understand what is happening and what to do next.
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