Pediatric Dentistry · single question

All of the following can cause an anterior open bite EXCEPT:

  1. Airway obstruction (mouth breathing)
  2. Pacifier use
  3. Microglossia (an abnormally small tongue)
  4. Thumb sucking
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Correct answer: C. Microglossia (an abnormally small tongue)

Airway obstruction/mouth breathing, prolonged pacifier use, and thumb sucking are all well-known habits/conditions that can contribute to an anterior open bite by altering tongue posture and the balance of forces on the developing dentition. It is actually MACROGLOSSIA (an enlarged tongue, not microglossia/a small tongue) that classically pushes teeth apart and contributes to open bite — making microglossia the exception.

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