5 Habits That Can Affect Your Child’s Oral Development

We often think of childhood habits in terms of manners, routines, or screen time limits. But beyond those obvious behaviors are subtle patterns that can shape the way your child breathes, sleeps, and even how their face grows. Some of these habits are so common that they seem normal, especially in early childhood. However, common does not always mean harmless.

In our Orange County myofunctional therapy practice, we regularly meet families who are surprised to learn how much influence habits like mouth breathing or thumb sucking can have on long-term oral development. These patterns can begin early and become ingrained in daily life. The good news? Once you know what to look for, you can take steps to guide your child toward healthier function and growth.

Why Everyday Habits Matter More Than You Think

The tongue, lips, and facial muscles are incredibly influential in guiding the development of the jaws and airway. When these muscles work in harmony, they support strong chewing, nasal breathing, proper swallowing, and even stable orthodontic outcomes. But when habitual patterns shift the tongue out of place, or keep the mouth open during rest, the structure of the face and mouth can begin to adapt in ways that are less ideal.

Let’s walk through five everyday habits that often go unnoticed, but can have a lasting impact.

Mouth Breathing

If your child tends to breathe through their mouth rather than their nose, even occasionally, it can affect more than just moisture levels in their mouth. Mouth breathing changes the position of the tongue, often keeping it low and inactive. This can influence how the upper jaw grows, potentially leading to a high palate, narrow dental arch, and reduced airway space.

You might also notice your child waking up tired, snoring lightly, or struggling to focus. These signs may point to compromised breathing patterns that deserve further evaluation.

Thumb or Finger Sucking

Thumb sucking often begins in infancy as a source of comfort. While it is developmentally normal during the baby and toddler years, it can become problematic if it persists beyond age three or four. Constant pressure from the thumb or fingers can shift the upper teeth forward, create an open bite, or change the shape of the palate.

Instead of abruptly removing the habit, families often find success through positive reinforcement, offering alternative comfort tools, or gradually reducing reliance over time.

Tongue Thrust

Tongue thrust refers to a swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth. While this may seem like a minor issue, the repeated pressure can gradually move teeth out of alignment or interfere with speech.

Children who exhibit tongue thrust may also have trouble keeping their lips closed or their tongue up during rest. These signs often point to a larger pattern involving breathing and muscle coordination. Myofunctional therapy is particularly effective in helping retrain these motions and encourage healthier swallowing habits.

Prolonged Pacifier Use

Pacifiers offer comfort and self-regulation in early infancy, but if used past the age of two, they can start to influence jaw growth and tooth position. Similar to thumb sucking, prolonged use may cause an open bite or restrict normal development of the upper jaw.

Transitioning away from the pacifier is not always easy, but consistency and replacement strategies can help. Offering a soft blanket, a bedtime routine, or sensory tools can provide similar comfort without the oral impact.

Low Tongue Posture

The ideal resting position for the tongue is gently suctioned to the roof of the mouth. When the tongue rests low in the mouth or against the teeth, it misses an important opportunity to guide healthy growth of the upper jaw and help keep the airway open.

Low tongue posture may be due to habit, mouth breathing, or physical restriction such as a tongue tie. Encouraging closed lips and nasal breathing is a helpful starting point. If you notice your child’s mouth open during rest or sleep, or their tongue visible between the teeth, it may be worth seeking a myofunctional evaluation.

A Foundation That Lasts

Small habits can add up to big changes over time. By becoming aware of how your child breathes, rests, chews, and swallows, you can support their growth in ways that go far beyond appearance. At our practice here in Orange County, we work with families to identify early signs and guide kids toward patterns that protect their airway, posture, and long-term health.

If any of these habits sound familiar, you are not alone. Many children develop them early on, and many families have questions about what is normal and what is not. A myofunctional therapy evaluation can provide clarity and create a gentle plan for positive change.