Thumb sucking + Other Habits

Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, which can cause them to put their thumbs or fingers into their mouths — sometimes even before birth. Because thumb sucking makes babies feel secure, some babies might eventually develop a habit of thumb sucking when they’re in need of soothing or going to sleep. However, any oral habit that persists past infancy/toddlerhood into childhood can negatively impact overall health, facial development, and dental development. Examples of noxious oral habits include:

• finger sucking
• tongue sucking
• nail chewing
• pacifier sucking

Why stop prolonged thumb sucking (or other habits)?

We care deeply about the health and growth of your child. The effects of prolonged thumb sucking on your child’s development are many and can include:

• Dental malocclusions (such as an open bite)
• Tongue thrust
• Development of a lisp
• Speech sound disorders
• Grinding of teeth
• TMJ Disorder
• Premature Tooth Loss
• Bedwetting
• Negative social interactions
• Child’s feelings of inadequacy
• Parents feeling frustrated
• Increased illness

Who can help?

You and your child both need to be ready to stop thumb sucking. We can help.  

Our International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) trained myofunctional therapist is here to guide you and your child through the following;

• Understanding the specifics of their habit
• Identifying if now is the right time for you and your child to start a thumb sucking elimination program
• Providing a detailed evaluation
• Planning and guiding you through implementing a program of elimination based on you and your child’s needs, mutual trust, understanding, clear and consistent communication, positive reinforcement, and lots and lots of encouragement!
• Giving you the tools and education you need to be successful at home and school, during the day and through the night.
• Your therapist may recommend using a Myo Munchee to help teach your child optimal usage of their facial and mouth muscles while they participate in our thumb sucking elimination program. 
• Celebrating your child being done with the thumb!

Having the support of a trusted and educated professional to plan, set expectations, and guide you and your child through the difficult process of saying good bye to thumb sucking can make the world of a difference in successfully being done with the thumb!  Please schedule a free screening with our IAOM trained orofacial myologist to see if you and your child are ready to begin a specialised thumb sucking elimination program.