[5] Tongue exercise alone was reported to be successful in cessation of thumb sucking and treatment of anterior open bite malocclusion.
The tongue is a critical organ in swallowing, providing the driving forces that transport food and liquid through the mouth and pharynx.
Fatigue in the tongue muscles may contribute to incomplete food clearance (residue), prolonged time to complete a meal and reduced intake.
[3][non-primary source needed] The use of intra-oral adhesive pads as part of oral myology therapy is a new technique to induce and assist in tongue exercise.
One study suggests the use of adhesive pads was efficient in treatment of anterior open bite malocclusion and thumb sucking in children.