@dr.connerbor: Oral seeking isn’t always “just a habit.” For some children, constant chewing, mouthing objects, shirt chewing, biting, or putting everything in their mouth can be a sign that their nervous system is seeking sensory input. One area that often gets overlooked is the rooting reflex. The rooting reflex is designed to help newborns find and latch for feeding. But when it remains active beyond infancy, it can influence oral motor control, sensory processing, feeding patterns, speech development, and oral seeking behaviors. Instead of only trying to stop the behavior, ask: Why is the brain seeking this input in the first place? When appropriate, working to integrate retained primitive reflexes, improving oral motor function, strengthening postural control, and providing the right sensory input may help reduce the need for constant oral seeking.

Dr.Conner Bor, DC DACNB

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Friday 26 June 2026 16:44:32 GMT