oral Habits

Using a pacifier, thumbsucking, or mouthing inedible objects (e.g., clothing, fingers, pencils) past an appropriate age may be:

• a sign that the child is seeking proprioceptive (deep pressure) sensory input

• a way to regulate and manage emotions

• a non-verbal way to communicate hunger or pain in the oral structures

Why is it important to decrease these habits?

• delayed oral motor skills as a result of repetitive, unvaried oral movement 

• discontinuation of pacifiers by 3 years (but preferably between 12-18 months) is necessary to promote development of important feeding skills including use of utensils and drinking from open-faced cups

• prolonged pacifier use or thumbsucking can negatively impact bite (anterior open bite or posterior crossbite), the shape of the roof of the mouth, and the way that baby teeth come in

  • hinders children's ability to eat solid foods and speak

• these habits discourage verbal communication as a form of emotional regulation

• increased risk for ear infections due to altered pressure in Eustachian tubes with sucking, leading to fluid accumulation

• increased risk for oral infections due to accumulation of oral bacteria and sugar residue