Habits (thumb sucking/nail biting)

MyoDynamics appreciates the importance of habit elimination for the improved form and function of the stomatognatic system.  Such habits can include

  • Thumb/digit sucking
  • Pacifier use
  • Nail biting
  • Lip licking
  • Tongue sucking

It is believed that up to 95% of children in the UK indulge in ‘non-nutritive sucking’ habit; this is more prevalent in girls.  A study has shown 40% of thumb suckers still have the habit at age nine.  The longer these behavioral patterns persist the harder they become to eliminate due to the increasing dependency overtime.

If habits are eliminated prior to the eruption of the first permanent teeth, around the age of five or six, it is widely accepted if the resting postures and functional patterns are modified (breathing, chewing and swallowing), good developmental patterns of the upper and lower jaw and eruption of the permanent teeth will follow therefore potentially reducing malocclusion (misaligned teeth) and the degree of future orthodontic intervention.

Therapy Programme

  • Many children cease habits alone however others need professional guidance, it has been shown that using a third party such as an Orofacial Myologist can aid an individual to cease the habit faster.
  • It must be remembered these habits are generally sub conscious and therefore Orofacial Myologists at MyoDynamics provide supportive therapy programmes based on motivational, positive reinforcement