Oral Habit Elimination

Thumb Sucking: A Red Flag for Orofacial Development

In ideal function, the tongue resting on the palate helps regulate the nervous system by gently stimulating the vagus nerve, which supports relaxation, digestion, and emotional balance.

When the tongue is restricted (such as with a tongue tie or low muscle tone), it may not reach the palate properly. In these cases, a child may instinctively turn to thumb sucking as an alternative way to self-soothe—mimicking the calming effect the tongue would normally provide.

Over time, this can interfere with oral development and signal a need for early myofunctional evaluation. While thumb sucking is common in infancy, prolonged or frequent thumb sucking beyond age 3–4 can be a red flag for orofacial myofunctional concerns. 

It may indicate:

• Improper tongue posture or low muscle tone
• A need for self-soothing due to airway or sensory challenges
• Disruption in natural jaw and palate development
• Risk for open bite, speech issues, and prolonged mouth breathing

If thumb sucking persists, early intervention through myofunctional therapy can help address the underlying cause and support proper oral development. 

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can work as an oral habit elimination program and address the dysfunctional muscle patterns that have resulted from the habit. It's important to address oral habits as early as possible to prevent structural changes to the face, jaw and airway.

Oral Habits such as these can also be red flags for an airway issue, Sleep Disordered Breathing, and Tongue Ties.