In today's episode we will explore non-nutritive sucking the  habits and their impact on facial growth and development in children. Thumb sucking, binky use, and bottle use are commonly observed behaviors in young children that can have long-lasting effects on their oral health. We will discuss why these habits can be detrimental to the face, mouth, airway, and teeth, and the importance of addressing them at the right time. We will delve into the specific ways in which prolonged thumb sucking, binky use, and bottle use can affect facial growth and development. We will explore the potential consequences for the alignment of teeth, the shape of the palate, and even the development of the airway. Understanding these effects will help us recognize the importance of intervening and guiding children towards healthier habits.So, if you're a parent, caregiver, or simply interested in the fascinating world of oral health, stay tuned as we unravel the impact of non-nutritive sucking habits on healthy facial growth and development. As a Mom and a Myofunctional Therapist I like to transition to a Myo Munchee. This will encourage proper tongue function and is a great transition to big kid status! For more information: https://myomunchee.com/for-parents/ You can schedule a call with us to help guide you https://shereewertz.com/15-min Key Takeaways: Sucking habits, such as thumb sucking and pacifier use, are initially developed as a reflex and provide a sense of security and comfort for babies and children. It can begin in the womb and may continue into adulthood as a response to stress or anxiety. Prolonged sucking habits can have negative consequences, including deformities of the thumb, fingers, nails, teeth, and facial structures. It can also impact swallowing patterns, leading to chronic tongue thrusting and mouth breathing. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends reducing pacifier use and thumb sucking by 18 months of age to minimize potential issues. If sucking habits persist, they can interfere with normal tooth eruption and jaw growth, leading to problems like an "open bite" where the upper and lower teeth don't overlap. Correction becomes necessary to prevent tongue thrusting and malocclusion. Managing sucking habits requires a team approach, including parental guidance, dental appliances, and behavior modification techniques like positive reinforcement and counseling. Sucking habits, such as thumb sucking, are associated with self-comfort and security. Most children naturally discontinue these habits around the age of 4 as they develop better self-regulation skills. Breathing techniques, such as inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly, can help children manage anxiety and transition away from sucking habits. The duration and resting pressure of the sucking habit are more critical than the magnitude of force applied. Sucking habits can lead to dental and skeletal malformations, affecting facial shape and the function of the tongue and facial muscles. When weaning a child off the pacifier, gradually reduce its usage during non-stressful times, restrict its use outside of the crib, and avoid major life changes or stressful periods during the weaning process.