Breaking the Habits

Understanding Thumb Sucking and Tongue Thrusting

• How Habit-Breaking Appliances Can Help

  The use of habit-breaking appliances for thumb sucking and tongue thrusting provides children with a gentle, non-punitive way to stop these habits. These devices are designed to prevent or discourage the physical behaviors associated with thumb sucking and tongue thrusting while helping the child develop new, healthier habits. Here are some of the most effective habit-breaking appliances for addressing these two common behaviors:

  1. Thumb-Sucking Deterrent Devices

  Several appliances are designed specifically to deter children from thumb sucking, especially when the habit persists beyond the age when it is typically outgrown. These devices work by either providing discomfort when the child sucks their thumb or by offering a substitute for the behavior.

  ThumbGuard

  • One of the most widely known and used appliances for preventing thumb sucking is the ThumbGuard. This device is a soft, plastic ring that fits over the child’s thumb. When the child attempts to suck their thumb, the device creates a physical barrier, making it uncomfortable or difficult to do so. The ThumbGuard is usually made from soft materials and is designed to be gentle on the skin, making it non-invasive yet effective. It is often recommended for children aged 3-6 years who have been unable to break the habit independently.
  • The ThumbGuard is most effective when used during times when children are most likely to engage in thumb sucking, such as while watching TV or during stressful moments. It works by interrupting the behavior before it becomes habitual, helping children to recognize when they are doing it and offering a way to break the cycle.

  MAVALA Stop

  • Another popular option is MAVALA Stop, a liquid solution that is applied to the thumb. This product is safe for children and has a bitter taste, which helps discourage thumb sucking by making the thumb unpleasant to suck. The taste is enough to break the habit, but it is not harmful to the child’s health. MAVALA Stop can be used in conjunction with other behavioral interventions to ensure the habit is broken.

  2. Tongue-Thrusting Deterrent Devices

  For children who engage in tongue thrusting, various appliances can help them develop healthier oral habits and encourage correct tongue placement during swallowing and speaking.

  Myobrace

  • The Myobrace system is one of the most well-known appliances used to correct tongue thrusting and other oral habits. Myobrace is a series of removable orthodontic devices that help children improve their posture, correct tongue positioning, and encourage proper swallowing techniques. Myobrace works by gently guiding the tongue into its correct resting position on the roof of the mouth, preventing it from pushing against the teeth during swallowing.
  • The system is used in conjunction with exercises that help children develop correct tongue movement, which is crucial for preventing the negative effects of tongue thrusting. Myobrace can also help with other issues such as jaw development and bite alignment.

  Tongue-Tie Therapy Devices

  • For children with tongue-tie (a condition where the frenulum, or the membrane under the tongue, is too tight), devices like Tongue Tie Clips or specific speech therapy tools may be used. These devices help children develop the correct range of motion for their tongues, improving their ability to speak and swallow without thrusting the tongue forward. Speech therapy and orthodontic consultation are often necessary to fully address tongue thrusting in these cases.

  3. Behavioral Tracking Devices

  • Behavioral tracking devices can be an excellent tool to support children in breaking habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. These devices focus on positive reinforcement and tracking progress over time, which can be motivating for both children and their parents.

  Habit-Tracking Apps

  • Some parents turn to habit-tracking apps, such as Habitica or HabitBull, to help children keep track of their progress in breaking thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. These apps allow children to log their behaviors and earn rewards for milestones such as going a full day without sucking their thumb or practicing proper tongue placement. The use of visual feedback and rewards helps encourage children to stay committed to their goal.

  Smart Reward Systems

  • In addition to apps, smart reward systems can be used to track positive behavior. Devices like the Star Chart or the Rewarding App for smartphones can be customized to monitor specific habits and provide incentives when the child reaches their goals. For example, a child might receive a star every time they successfully avoid thumb sucking or practice proper swallowing. After accumulating a certain number of stars, the child can redeem them for a small reward, such as extra playtime or a special treat.

  4. Orthodontic and Dental Appliances

  If thumb sucking or tongue thrusting has caused dental issues, orthodontic appliances such as retainers or spacers can be used to correct the problem. These devices are typically recommended by orthodontists once the child is of an appropriate age and the habits have been persistent.

  For instance, palatal expanders can be used to improve the alignment of the teeth and jaw if tongue thrusting has led to misalignment. Orthodontists may also recommend habit-breaking retainers or tongue crib devices, which are designed to limit tongue movement and discourage the habit of thrusting.

• The Role of Parental Involvement

  While habit-breaking appliances can be incredibly helpful, parental support is crucial in the process. Parents should work closely with their children to ensure the appliance is used correctly and consistently. Positive reinforcement, encouragement, and patience are essential as children learn to break these habits.

  Parents can also help by offering emotional support when their children experience frustration or setbacks. Breaking oral habits can be challenging, but with the right tools and a supportive environment, children can successfully overcome thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.

  Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are common habits among children, but if left unchecked, they can lead to a range of dental, speech, and social challenges. Fortunately, habit-breaking appliances provide children with effective tools to address these issues in a gentle, non-punitive way. Whether through thumb-sucking deterrent devices, tongue-thrusting appliances, or behavioral tracking systems, these tools can make a significant difference in helping children break these habits.

  With the right combination of technology, orthodontic care, and parental support, children can overcome thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, leading to healthier oral habits, improved speech, and better social interactions. Breaking these habits may take time, but the result is worth the effort.