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Oral Habit Elimination

The positive behavioral modification program is designed to help clients discontinue their oral habits quickly and without coercion. Our hands-on approach is a fun and empowering journey for kids.
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Image by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič

Why is it so important?

Oral habits such as thumb sucking can have a negative impact on jaw shape, teeth position, tongue placement, breathing, sleeping and speech development. Eliminating oral habits is a prerequisite for achieving proper oral function and rest posture. 

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Anterior Open Bite 

How does a Negative Habit Start?

Other Habits Include

  • Nail biting

  • Thumb/finger sucking

  • Tongue Sucking

  • Lip Wedging

  • Lip Licking

  • Cheek biting

  • Prolonged pacifier use 

  • Clenching/grinding teeth

  • Jaw shifting

Negative oral habits occur for varying reasons. It is important to assess any underlying concerns. Often times thumb sucking can point to a potential airway issue. Someone with airway concerns may be mouth breathing due to nasal obstruction or tethered oral tissues. When a person breathes constantly through their mouth, their tongue is low and forward instead of suctioned to the roof of the mouth. The roof of the mouth craves the constant pressure and sensation of our tongue resting upon it.  When that need is not being met, we seek input in our mouths through other means.  Noxious oral habits may result over time.

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