The act of “sucking your teeth,” often called tisking, involves creating a sharp, audible sound by rapidly drawing air or saliva through the spaces between the teeth. This common, often unconscious oral habit falls into a category known as parafunctional activities—movements separate from normal functions like chewing or speaking. The central question is whether this repetitive behavior, sustained over time, poses a measurable risk to long-term dental health.
Dental and Oral Health Risks
The repetitive force and pressure involved in this habit introduce mechanical stresses to the teeth and surrounding structures, potentially leading to cumulative damage. While the force is less intense than teeth grinding, the frequency and duration of the habit are the primary concerns. Physical consequences develop gradually, often remaining unnoticed until symptoms become pronounced.
Enamel Wear
Repetitive friction from the constant movement of air and saliva across the enamel surface contributes to localized wear, particularly on the edges of the teeth involved in the suction. Although enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it is susceptible to physical abrasion. If teeth have misalignments or sharp edges, the friction can be more aggressive, leading to thinning of the protective outer layer. This gradual loss of enamel increases tooth sensitivity and makes the teeth more vulnerable to decay.
Gum Recession
Constant negative pressure created by the suction, combined with subtle muscular pulling, can irritate the delicate gum tissue surrounding the teeth. This chronic irritation can cause the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth surface, similar to the effects of piercings rubbing against the gumline. Gum recession exposes the tooth root, which is covered by the softer layer called cementum, leading to heightened sensitivity and an increased risk of root decay.
Orthodontic Issues and Tooth Movement
The directional forces applied by the habit, though light, are sustained over many instances, and bone responds predictably to prolonged pressure. Over time, this repeated pressure can cause teeth to shift slightly out of alignment. If the habit focuses on the front teeth, it can worsen existing orthodontic problems, such as widening a gap or making a misalignment more pronounced. This constant force interferes with the stable positioning of teeth, which is why sucking or thrusting habits are often addressed during orthodontic treatment.
Jaw and Temporomandibular Joint Strain
Sucking your teeth requires the sustained, unnatural contraction of the facial and jaw muscles to maintain suction. These repetitive, non-functional actions increase mechanical load on the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Overuse of these muscles can lead to fatigue and tenderness, potentially contributing to or exacerbating symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, such as jaw pain or clicking.
Understanding the Habit’s Origin
The development of oral habits, including teeth sucking, is often rooted in subconscious behavioral patterns that serve as self-regulation. These actions are frequently performed without conscious thought, making them difficult to stop without first identifying the underlying triggers. The habit often begins as a response to an internal or external stimulus the individual is attempting to manage.
Drawing air or saliva through the teeth functions as a subconscious coping mechanism for managing internal states like stress or anxiety. Similar to nail-biting, the repetitive, rhythmic nature of the habit provides an immediate sense of relief or distraction from mental tension. This self-soothing aspect makes the habit deeply entrenched, linking the physical action to emotional comfort.
The habit is also frequently observed during periods of low stimulation, such as boredom, or during times of intense focus. It serves as a minor stimulatory activity, helping the individual maintain engagement when the environment is monotonous. When the habit is learned in childhood, it can persist into adulthood as an established, unconscious routine.
Strategies for Breaking the Habit
Breaking any deeply ingrained habit starts with developing awareness of when and why the behavior occurs. The first step involves tracking the habit for a few weeks to identify specific environmental or emotional triggers. Recognizing whether the habit is linked to stress, boredom, or a specific activity is paramount to successful intervention.
A highly effective technique involves replacing the undesirable action with an alternative behavior that is less damaging. Simple substitutions can interrupt the motor pattern of sucking the teeth. These include gently resting the tongue on the roof of the mouth, sipping water, or chewing sugar-free gum. Using a small, silent fidget toy or a stress ball can also redirect the urge for stimulation away from the mouth.
For individuals whose habit is severe or causing measurable dental damage, a dental professional may recommend a custom oral appliance. These devices, which can include mouthguards or specialized tongue-cribs, serve as a physical barrier to make the habit unpleasurable to perform, retraining the oral musculature. If the habit is deeply tied to chronic anxiety or stress, professional intervention, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may be beneficial to address the root psychological cause.