Understanding and Addressing Oral Fixation in Children

Babies and toddlers naturally put things in their mouths to explore their world, express emotions, and self-soothe. While this is a normal developmental stage, some children develop an oral fixation, an obsessive need to use their mouths that continues into childhood. What is Oral Fixation? Oral fixation is a form of self-stimulating or "stimming" behavior. It's instinctual for infants, who are driven by survival reflexes to seek out and put things in their mouths. This provides a calming and pleasurable sensation, leading them to associate this feeling with oral input. They may then seek this sensation to self-soothe or regulate emotions like anxiety, fear, or boredom. Examples of oral fixation behaviors include: Thumb sucking Biting or chewing lips, inner cheeks, or fingers Chewing or sucking hair Nail biting Teeth grinding Licking, sucking, or chewing non-food objects Refusal to give up a pacifier or bottle Biting people As children mature, they typically learn new ways to communicate and regulate their emotions, making oral behaviors less common. However, if children struggle to develop these skills, they may revert to familiar oral fixations to meet their needs. This is particularly common in children with developmental delays, but any child experiencing stress or anxiety might temporarily revert to these behaviors. Negative Effects of Persistent Oral Fixation Oral fixation habits that continue into early childhood can lead to various issues. Immediate concerns include choking hazards and the risk of infection from putting contaminated items in their mouth. Longer-term, oral fixation is associated with: Crooked teeth requiring orthodontic treatment Excessive drooling Spacing issues for permanent teeth Speech impediments Problems with jaw development Oral hygiene difficulties Difficulties with verbal expression and communication Picky eating Separation anxiety Developmentally immature behaviors, such as tantrums Addressing Oral Fixations There's no surefire way to prevent an oral fixation from developing. Some experts recommend weaning children from pacifiers and bottles early to avoid prolonged dependence. Being vigilant and redirecting potential fixations early can also help. For instance, if you notice your toddler chewing their hair, redirect the behavior immediately to prevent it from becoming ingrained. Since oral fixation can be a self-soothing mechanism, proactively exploring developmentally appropriate ways to help your toddler communicate and express emotions healthily can be beneficial. While biting, chewing, and sucking are normal developmental stages that most children outgrow in their toddler years, persistent concerns warrant professional attention. Try to identify environmental triggers that lead to stimming and work to reduce the patterns contributing to the behavior. Offering chewy foods can be a positive way to redirect an oral fixation. Consider healthy snacks like: Popcorn Celery String cheese Rice cakes Thick smoothies If you have concerns about your child’s sensory behavior and oral fixation, seeking professional assistance is crucial. Pediatricians, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists are well-equipped to address problematic behaviors stemming from oral fixation. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your dentist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment.