Deforming oral habits are learned repetitive behaviors with no functional purpose that can lead to malocclusion. Common harmful oral habits discussed in the document include thumb sucking, mouth breathing, nail biting, and tongue thrusting. These oral habits become unconscious over time and can cause dental issues depending on factors like age and frequency. For example, thumb sucking is normal for young children but considered abnormal past age 3-4 and can result in issues like an open bite and crossbite if persistent. Studies have found correlations between oral habits and malocclusion in both deciduous and permanent dentition.