The critical age in stopping thumb sucking is 3 1/2 years. If not stopped, normal growth and development of the mouth will be effected.  Speech therapists work with families using positive reinforcement to decrease and eliminate harmful habit behaviors

       And individual who is tongue-tied can experience an variety of problems. They will have limited range of motion, limited speed of motion.  Their abilities to curl and lift the tongue could impair their dental development, speech and language development, and swallowing skills.  A speech pathologist evaluates those at risk individuals for prevention and prognosis purposes.

        Moms and Dads calm down. Help is on the way!!!   Contact Speech Therapy if your child can't do these four things:

1. Chew with their mouth closed.
2. Eat & swallow without a lot of noise.
3. Drink without a lot of noise.
4. Take their food to their mouth instead they take their mouth to their plates.

Find out if your child's swallowing and feeding skills are age appropriate.