Habit Elimination
Many children struggle with harmful habits like those featured below, which could reveal underlying issues. Our Lollipop Thumb Stop Habit Elimination Program is proven to help children eliminate these oral habits in kinder, gentler, and more effective ways.
Thumb/Finger Sucking
Thumb or finger sucking is a harmful oral habit that alters jaw development and creates open bites. In some cases, thumb sucking can be a sign of airway issues or tethered oral tissues such as “tongue tie”. Muscles can be retrained for proper function and placement, supporting development.
Long-term Pacifier Use
Prolonged pacifier use alters childhood jaw development, encourages an open bite, and causes crooked teeth in growing children. It is entirely normal for babies to seek comfort from a pacifier in infancy, but after six months of age it should be reserved for soothing purposes only to avoid becoming a prolonged habit.
Nail-Biting
Nail-biting is a harmful oral habit that alters jaw development and can cause tooth damage. Sometimes it can be associated with airway issues where the jaw is lowered for better airway positioning. Nail-biting could also be a transferred habit from thumb sucking. A thorough evaluation is needed to determine potential therapeutic interventions.
Mouth Breathing
Over time, persistent mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth—increasing the risk of dental decay—while disrupting sleep and causing daytime fatigue and behavioral issues. An open-mouth posture alters resting jaw position and tongue placement during crucial developmental years, potentially leading to long-term changes in facial structure and dental alignment. Identifying and resolving mouth breathing early helps ensure optimal airway development, healthy sleep, and harmonious facial growth.
Your Child’s Treatment Steps:
1
Receive a comprehensive evaluation by our lead orofacial myology therapist to determine core issues and discuss when to begin treatment for the best long term effects. You will then receive resources to begin the program in the comfort of your own home.
2
Follow our specialized treatment program, which includes measurements/observations of orofacial muscle, tongue behavior, swallowing/chewing patterns, and lip strength. We aim to create a fun and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your child.
3
Celebrate your success! Special recognition is given to each patient at the end of the habit elimination program to congratulate them on their hard work. You can schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate positive habituation and ensure long term success.
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Not Sure Where To Start?
We Can Help Your Family Make Harmful Habit Elimination Easy!
Finding reliable care can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know where to start, but we help make it simple!
If you’re a concerned parent looking for answers, our clinic can help you find them, making harmful habit elimination easy and effective.
At East Texas Orofacial Myology, we prioritize the overall health and happiness of our patients, big and small. Let us know what’s bothering you and we’ll walk you through a comprehensive understanding of your treatment options. You can get an in-person or telehealth appointment through our contact form or calling our office at 903-504-8586.
