Thumb/Finger Sucking Elimination

There is a neurophysiological loop between the mouth and the hand, and factors like bonding reflexes, bone growth stimulation and environmental stimuli can either fuel this mode of negative protection or help to eliminate it to avoid costly dental therapies later on. We must provide the patient with the sensory input they crave through reflex pattern integration, behavior modification exercises and myofunctional principles, while gently blocking the sucking “incidents” supported with the use of positive reinforcement. Early intervention is essential as thumb sucking delays social and emotional self regulation and frequently causes varying degrees of dysfunctional breathing in sleep and wakefulness. Research has shown that growth and protection cannot occur simultaneously, thus, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety and sleep apnea are often associated with thumb sucking, as thumb sucking puts the individual in a state of constant self soothing and negative self protection which leaves the brain with depleted stores of energy for learning, socializing, curiosity, coping, creativity and self expression. In addition, the constant pressure of thumb or finger in question alters the shape of the hard palate and nasal sinuses and sets the patient on a craniofacial dysfunctional growth track that often features dental problems, upper airway restrictions, retained primary reflexes and orofacial myofunctional disorders. The program also applies to any nonnutritive oral habit including nail biting, profuse pacifier/bottle use, pen chewing, blanket facial rubbing/sucking or shirt chewing. As patients with a nonnutritive oral habit often present with other orofacial myofunctional disorders, it is common for a patient to require myofunctional therapy once oral habit elimination has been achieved.

Treatment: 90 Days for full habit extinction. I must emphasize that I DO NOT FORCE this program on children. I will only commence treatment if the child is ready and willing to try elimination of their habit after I have explained how their habit is changing the shape of their smile and face and how it is pushing their teeth in the wrong direction. This program requires total partnership between the child, their family and myself for success and life long results with out bulky or painful oral appliances. Treatment involves total family support, quality family time, art and crafts and prizes all supplied by the family under my guidance and coaching. It also may feature practices that may not be in your current family culture, such as targeted nutritional counseling and physical exercises. Success is highly dependent on the patient’s family support, as children are often the ones eliminating an oral habit. The child will need to be led through exercises and daily rituals by their parent or guardian. The same effort will be required of an adult patient, and this program does not need a special window of time to be implemented. I will teach you how to fold it into your current lifestyle to avoid waiting “for a better time”. However, I do not recommend seeking treatment during events like divorce, death in the family or moving house, as these events can be traumatic. All first-time assessments are complimentary.

Eight remote appointments total. $700