Thumb Sucking¶
Thumb and finger sucking are common soothing habits for infants and young children. While this behavior is considered normal in early development, if it continues beyond the toddler years, it can lead to long-term issues with dental alignment, facial development, speech, and breathing.
Myofunctional therapy offers a gentle, supportive way to help children break the habit and restore healthy oral function.
Why Do Children Suck Their Thumb or Fingers?¶
Thumb and finger sucking provide comfort, especially during stress, boredom, or sleep. Many children naturally stop the habit on their own by ages 2 to 4. However, when the habit persists beyond this age, it can interfere with the proper growth and function of the mouth, jaw, and airway.
What Happens If the Habit Continues?¶
Persistent thumb or finger sucking can affect the way a child’s mouth and face develop. Some common issues that may arise include:
- Narrow or high palate (roof of the mouth)
- Crooked teeth or bite problems (e.g., open bite, overjet)
- Improper tongue posture
- Speech sound errors or delays
- Mouth breathing habits
- Altered facial muscle development
Because the thumb or finger rests in the mouth repeatedly, it creates pressure that can actually change the shape of the dental arches and reposition the tongue — leading to a chain reaction of functional problems.
Signs Your Child May Need Help¶
- Continues thumb or finger sucking past age 4
- Sucks during sleep, stress, or while watching screens
- Visible changes in the teeth or bite
- Speech delays or difficulty with certain sounds
- Open mouth posture or frequent mouth breathing
- Trouble stopping the habit on their own
Even if the habit seems minor, early support can prevent long-term issues.
How Myofunctional Therapy Helps¶
Myofunctional therapy doesn’t just focus on stopping the habit — it addresses the underlying reasons why the habit exists and the impact it has on oral development.
Therapy helps children:
- Develop proper tongue posture (resting on the palate)
- Establish nasal breathing and closed-lip posture
- Strengthen the muscles used for swallowing and speaking
- Replace the sucking habit with healthier, age-appropriate coping strategies
- Promote balanced facial growth
Through positive, age-appropriate exercises and behavior support, children become more aware of their habits and learn to take part in their own progress.
When to Start¶
The ideal time to begin intervention is as soon as the habit becomes consistent beyond the toddler years — typically around ages 4 to 7. However, therapy can be beneficial at any age, even in teens or adults who still struggle with lingering oral habits or their effects.
We're Here to Help¶
Breaking thumb or finger sucking habits is about more than willpower — it’s about understanding how the muscles of the mouth and face work together. With myofunctional therapy, we help children and families overcome these habits in a supportive and empowering way.