Which non-nutritive habit may result in narrowing of the maxilla?

Prepare for the Minnesota Dental Assisting Licensure Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam success!

Mouth breathing is a non-nutritive habit that can lead to the narrowing of the maxilla, which is the upper jawbone where the teeth are anchored. This occurs because mouth breathing often leads to abnormal tongue posture and reduced oral pressure, which can affect the growth and development of the maxilla. When individuals breathe primarily through their mouths instead of their noses, it can result in a constricted dental arch due to the lack of support and stimulation that typically comes from proper tongue posture against the palate. The constant positioning of the mandible (lower jaw) can also contribute to changes in the maxillary arch form over time.

Other habits listed, like nail biting or chewing gum, typically don’t have significant effects on the structural growth of the maxilla. While thumb sucking can also influence dental and skeletal development, its effects are more localized to the anterior teeth rather than causing a generalized narrowing of the maxilla. This makes mouth breathing the most directly associated non-nutritive habit with the narrowing of the maxilla.

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