From thumb sucking to jaw clenching, oral habits and how to eliminate them is one of the most common challenges faced by parents, therapists, and caregivers. These behaviors may seem harmless or even soothing at first—but when they persist beyond the appropriate developmental stage, they can interfere with speech clarity, feeding efficiency, and jaw stability.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often observe that these habits serve a deeper purpose: they meet the body’s need for sensory input and TMJ stimulation. Understanding why they happen is the first step in addressing them effectively and compassionately.
This article explores the science behind oral habits, the physiological reasons they develop, and practical, evidence-based techniques from TalkTools experts to help clients replace and eventually eliminate them safely.
Understanding Oral Habits and TMJ Stimulation
Maladaptive oral habits—such as thumb sucking, jaw clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), lip or nail biting, and prolonged pacifier use—are common in both children and adults with jaw or oral-motor challenges.
These repetitive behaviors may serve as a form of self-stimulation or stress regulation, especially when there’s weakness or instability in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joint that connects your jaw to your skull.
The TMJ is among the most active joints in the body and a vital site of sensory organization. When the TMJ is under-stimulated or unstable, individuals may subconsciously seek additional input through oral habits.
Why Oral Habits Develop
1. Environmental/ External Stress
Some people process tension through their oral muscles — clenching, biting, or chewing to self-soothe. This behavior can be adaptive in moderation but becomes problematic when overused.
2. Dental Misalignment (Malocclusion)
When the upper and lower don’t align properly, individuals may unconsciously stimulate the jaw to improve alignment or gain sensory feedback. In such cases, orthodontic intervention is typically recommended.
3. Weak or Unstable Musculature
Children with low muscle tone (hypotonicity) or reduced jaw stability may seek additional oral stimulation. Prolonged pacifier or bottle use, thumb sucking, or oral exploration often accompany these deficits.
The Therapist’s Goals
The SLPs main objectives are to:
- Provide appropriate sensory input to the TMJ, and
- Increase jaw stability through structured oral-motor activities.
As jaw stability and strength improve, the individual’s need for maladaptive oral stimulation naturally decreases, making habit elimination more successful.
Five Steps to Eliminate Oral Habits
1. Identify the Cause
Stress manifests differently in individuals. For some, it results in oral tension or repetitive movements involving the TMJ. Habits like nail biting or jaw clenching may offer a sense of control and calm.
2. Establish the Need for Elimination
When the upper and lower don’t align properly, individuals may unconsciously stimulate the jaw to improve alignment or gain sensory feedback. In such cases, orthodontic intervention is typically recommended.
3. Develop a Program Plan
Before therapy begins, create a structured plan that replaces the habit with safe, effective forms of oral stimulation. For example:
- Chewing exercises using tools like TalkTools Chewy Tubes.
- Oral-motor activities such as the Gum Chewing Hierarchy and Jaw Grading Bite Blocks
- Vibration-based sensory input for calming and stimulation
These activities fulfill the TMJ’s need for movement while supporting speech and feeding goals.
4. Collaborate with Caregivers and Teams
Hold a meeting with parents, teachers, and support staff to explain:
- Why the habit exists
- Why it should be replaced
- How new strategies will help
Remind families that the process takes time—oral habits develop gradually and require consistent support to change.
5. Replace Before Eliminating
Never eliminate a habit without providing a functional substitute.
For example, before discontinuing a bottle, ensure the child can safely driven from a straw or cup without compromising nutrition. The transition should always prioritize stability, comfort, and success.
Build Long-Term Success
Replacing maladaptive oral habits requires a combination of therapeutic strategies, caregiver collaboration, and gradual sensory retraining.
When implemented thoughtfully, the result is improved oral-motor control, clearer speech, and greater self-regulation.
For a deeper understanding of the jaw’s role in speech development, read The Power of the Jaw in Speech and Feeding, or explore our professional training options like TalkTools® OPT: Assessment and and Program Plan Development™.
Maladaptive oral habits are more than behaviors — they’re signals of underlying sensory and motor needs. With the right combination of oral-motor therapy, TMJ stimulation, and jaw strengthening, these habits can be gently replaced, setting the foundation for improved speech, feeding, and confidence.
References
- Yassaei, S., Rafieian, M., & Ghafari, R. (2005). Abnormal oral habits in the children of war veterans. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 29, 189–192.
- Gavish, A., Halachmi, M., Winocur, E., & Gazit, E. (2000). Oral habits and their signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in adolescent girls. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 27, 22–32.
- Rosenfeld-Johnson, S. (2001). Oral-Motor Exercises for Speech Clarity. Tucson, AZ: Innovative Therapists International.