Primitive Reflex Testing

A gentle, whole-body approach to understanding your child’s development

At Lakeview Dental & Wellness, we look beyond the teeth to understand how your child is developing as a whole — including their breathing, oral function, posture, movement, and regulation.

Sometimes, small signs can be connected to how the nervous system is organising itself.

What Are Primitive Reflexes (And Why Do They Matter)?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns present from before birth. They act as the foundation (or “scaffolding”) of the nervous system, supporting early development of:

• Movement 
• Learning 
• Emotional regulation 
• Coordination 

As the brain matures, these reflexes are expected to integrate (or “switch off”), allowing more controlled, voluntary movement and function. 

When this process doesn’t fully occur, the body may continue to rely on these automatic patterns, which can make everyday tasks feel harder or less efficient.

Why These Patterns Can Show Up in the Mouth, Body & Behaviour

When primitive reflexes remain active:

• Muscles may respond automatically instead of intentionally 
• Movement patterns can feel uncoordinated or effortful 
• The brain may need to work harder for tasks that should become automatic 

This can influence:

• Breathing (mouth vs nasal) 
• Tongue posture and swallowing 
• Jaw and dental development 
• Posture and balance 
• Coordination and physical confidence 
• Focus, behaviour, and emotional regulation 

These systems don’t work in isolation — they develop together.

Why Might Reflexes Not Fully Integrate?

There is rarely one single cause. Often, it’s a combination of factors affecting early development.

Pregnancy & Birth

☐ Premature birth
☐ Difficult or prolonged labour
☐ Assisted delivery (forceps or vacuum)
☐ Caesarean section
☐ Limited space or movement in utero

Early Movement Development

☐ Limited tummy time
☐ Delayed or skipped crawling
☐ Reduced floor-based play
☐ Preference for one side of the body
☐ Extended time in prams, capsules, or swings

Breathing & Airway

☐ Ongoing mouth breathing
☐ Snoring or disrupted sleep
☐ Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
☐ Chronic congestion or allergies

Oral Habits

☐ Prolonged dummy use
☐ Extended bottle feeding
☐ Thumb or finger sucking
☐ Tongue thrust or low tongue posture

Injury, Illness & Nervous System Stress

☐ Frequent illness or inflammation
☐ Falls, head knocks, or injuries
☐ Concussion or whiplash (in older children)
☐ Sensory sensitivities or difficulty regulating

A Note for Parents

Not all children with these factors will have retained reflexes — and not all retained reflexes present clearly.

This simply helps us understand the bigger developmental picture.