Working with Children Age 4+

Here are some of the ways that myofunctional therapy can help to break the habit of thumb sucking:

• It can help to improve the function of the tongue. When the tongue is in the correct position, it is less likely to wander towards the thumb. 

• It can help to create a new oral rest posture. This is a position where the lips are closed and the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth. This position can help to prevent the thumb from being placed in the mouth. 

• It can help to reduce the urge to suck. The therapist may teach the patient relaxation techniques or other strategies to help them resist the urge to suck their thumb. 

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In addition to these exercises, there are a number of other things that can be done to help a child stop thumb sucking. These include: 

• Positive reinforcement. Praise the child when they are not sucking their thumb. You can also use a reward system to motivate the child to stop thumb sucking. 

• Distraction. When the child starts to suck their thumb, distract them with something else, such as a toy or game. 

• Negative reinforcement. Some parents may choose to use negative reinforcement, such as putting a bitter-tasting substance on the child's thumb. However, it is important to note that this approach should only be used as a last resort and should be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. 

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Myofunctional therapy for habit elimination is most effective when started at a young age. However, it can also be helpful for adults. The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the oral habit and the patient's cooperation.