Research and our clinical experience shows us that there are negative impacts on the growth and development of a child’s oral structures when there are prolonged oral habits, such as a high narrow palate (roof of the mouth), open bite (gap between front teeth), overjet (front teeth protrude outward), crossbite (a misalignment of the teeth, in any part of the mouth, resulting in the upper teeth fitting inside the lower teeth).These habits also affect a child’s oral functions. They develop a low forward tongue rest posture often with mouth breathing, a tongue thrust pattern (where the tongue moves anteriorly) when swallowing and speaking.See references from previous post.Children can be helped to eliminate their sucking habits in a positive way with specialist techniques. We need to be mindful that there is often a reason for these habits, which need to be addressed as part of a carefully planned treatment programme.enquiries.speechconnection@gmail.com | The Speech and Language Connection