Oral Habits in Kids and Adults: Thumb Sucking, Tongue Thrust & How Myofunctional Therapy Helps
Thumb sucking, pacifier use, nail biting, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting are often brushed off as "just habits." For many children they are a normal part of early development. But when these oral habits continue past the toddler years, or show up in adults, they can quietly shape the mouth, the bite, breathing, and even speech. At The Myo Center in Vancouver, WA, we help kids and adults break these patterns with orofacial myofunctional therapy.
What Are Imbalanced Oral Habits?
Imbalanced oral habits (sometimes called oral parafunctional habits or non-nutritive sucking habits) are repeated behaviors of the lips, tongue, cheeks, or jaw that are not part of normal eating, speaking, or breathing. Common examples include:
Thumb or finger sucking beyond early childhood
Prolonged pacifier or sippy cup use
Nail biting, cheek biting, or chewing on pens and clothing
Lip sucking or lip licking
Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth when swallowing or speaking
Resting the tongue low in the mouth instead of on the roof of the mouth
Habitual open-mouth posture and mouth breathing
Why Oral Habits Matter
The muscles of the lips, tongue, and cheeks apply gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws all day long. When a habit changes that balance for months or years, the effects can add up. Long-standing oral habits have been associated with:
Bite and tooth position changes such as an open bite, crowding, flared front teeth, or a narrow palate
Orthodontic relapse, where teeth drift after braces or aligners because the muscle pattern was never corrected
Speech differences, such as a lisp, when the tongue rests or moves forward
Mouth breathing and sleep concerns, including snoring and restless sleep
Jaw tension, clenching, or facial muscle discomfort
Swallowing patterns that place extra pressure on the teeth
Not every habit causes problems, and every person is different. An evaluation helps determine whether a habit is affecting oral function and what support makes sense.
Signs It May Be Time for an Evaluation
Your child still sucks a thumb, finger, or pacifier after age 2 ( that’s because by age 4 the child’s jaws are about 60% developed)
The tongue is visible between the teeth when talking or swallowing
Lips are often apart at rest, or your child breathes through the mouth
Your dentist or orthodontist has mentioned an open bite or tongue thrust
Teeth have shifted after orthodontic treatment
You or your child bite nails, cheeks, or lips when stressed or focused
How Myofunctional Therapy Helps Eliminate Oral Habits
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is an exercise-based program that retrains the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. Rather than relying on willpower alone, therapy addresses why the habit persists and builds a healthier pattern to replace it. A program at The Myo Center may include:
Habit awareness: learning when and why the habit happens
Positive, age-appropriate habit elimination strategies with rewards and family support for kids
Tongue posture training so the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth
Lip seal and nasal breathing exercises
Swallowing retraining to correct tongue thrust
Collaboration with your dentist, orthodontist, or other airway-oriented providers when needed
Therapy is customized to each patient, with sessions every two weeks and simple exercises to practice at home.
Oral Habits in Children vs. Adults
In children, addressing habits early can support healthy growth of the jaws and airway and may make future orthodontic treatment more stable. Adults benefit too: many adults with nail biting, clenching, tongue thrust, or orthodontic relapse find that correcting muscle patterns helps them protect their results and feel more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should thumb sucking stop?
Many children stop on their own by age 2 to 4. If the habit is is not resolving, it is a good idea to talk with your dentist or a myofunctional therapist.
Can myofunctional therapy fix a tongue thrust?
Myofunctional therapy is commonly used to retrain tongue thrust swallowing patterns and tongue posture. Your therapist will explain what to expect after your evaluation.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can schedule an evaluation directly with The Myo Center.
Get Help Breaking Oral Habits in Vancouver, WA
If you are concerned about thumb sucking, tongue thrust, nail biting, or another oral habit for yourself or your child, The Myo Center can help. Call (360) 803-2722, email team@themyocenter.com, or schedule an appointment for a Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation and Treatment Plan. You can also take our self-assessment or learn more about our services.
