Services · Louisville, Kentucky
Habit Elimination Therapy.
A child-centered, family-supported program to help children move past persistent oral habits — thumb sucking, pacifier use, prolonged bottle use, or tongue/lip habits — without shame or force. The focus is on understanding why the habit is there and replacing it with a new pattern the child can be proud of.
Reviewed by Gina Sabbak, RDH. Last reviewed .
Who it's for
This service is designed for:
Children ages 3 and up with persistent thumb sucking or pacifier habits
Children whose dentist, pediatrician, or orthodontist has recommended habit elimination before or during orthodontic treatment
Families who want a positive, evidence-based approach rather than a punitive one
How it works
What to expect.
Why habits persist
Thumb sucking and other oral habits serve a real purpose for the child — self-soothing, regulation, focus. We work with that reality rather than against it. Replacing the habit means giving the child something else that meets the same need.
The role of the family
Parent involvement is essential. We coach parents on what to say, what not to say, and how to support their child through the transition. Most of the work happens at home; in-person sessions focus on the plan and progress.
How long it takes
Most children move past the habit within 4–12 weeks of active work. Some children take longer — particularly if the habit is tied to a developmental transition (new school, new sibling, etc.).
What we don't do
No shaming, no bitter nail polishes, no punishment. Those approaches create stress without solving the underlying need. Our approach is honest with the child about why we are working on this, and supportive of the change.
Related reading
This service is commonly used for
- Thumb sucking
How this condition typically presents and the patterns we address.
→ Related article: What is myofunctional therapy, really? - Tongue thrust
How this condition typically presents and the patterns we address.
→ Related article: What is myofunctional therapy, really? - Open bite
How this condition typically presents and the patterns we address.
→ Related article: Mouth breathing in children: why it matters - Dental crowding / relapse
How this condition typically presents and the patterns we address.
→ Related article: What is myofunctional therapy, really? - All services
The complete set of myofunctional therapy services we offer.
- Book an evaluation
60-minute in-person assessment of oral posture, swallow, and breathing.
Common questions about habit elimination therapy
- At what age should my child stop thumb sucking?
- Pediatric dentists typically recommend stopping by age 4–5 to avoid affecting dental development. Some children stop on their own earlier; others need support.
- My child is 7 and still sucks their thumb. Is it too late?
- No. The program works for school-age children and pre-teens. The approach is the same — we adapt the language and responsibility to the age.
- Will my child be upset by the program?
- Most children are relieved to have a plan, especially if they've been wanting to stop but couldn't on their own. We focus on building pride in the new pattern.
- Is orthodontic treatment required?
- Not necessarily. If the habit has already affected dental development, your child's orthodontist may recommend treatment in addition to habit elimination.
What patients say
Real reviews from patients of 502 MYO, moderated by Gina personally.
Gina is amazing! I stopped snoring and sleep more every night!
Ready to begin?
The first visit is 60 minutes. Call (502) 901-8089 or request an appointment online.
Book an evaluation