Can Pediatric Dentistry Help With Thumb Sucking?

Pediatric dentistry focuses on dealing with the oral health of children from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are skilled at interacting with patients of all ages, and children specifically making it comfortable and easy for both the parents and kids. We always ensure our patients feel relaxed and welcome and strive to provide the very best care.

‍Can Pediatric Dentistry Help With Thumb Sucking?

Pediatric dentists provide general care including fixing cavities, managing gum disease, and diagnosing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Visiting our office regularly helps set the tone for good oral hygiene, and helps to create good oral hygiene habits in the future.

Many children tend to suck their thumb for comfort or out of habit when they are young. This habit tends to correct itself between the ages of 2 and 4 years old with positive reinforcement. However, there are some cases where the habit continues beyond this age and problems can occur. Thumb sucking can cause the upper teeth to overlap the lower teeth, or interfere with tooth eruption and jaw growth.‍

When should you call our pediatric dental office?

If you notice your child has this problem we are here to help. Regular visits to our office starting at age 1 can allow our team to help teach you and your child effective oral hygiene techniques to prevent tooth decay. We also monitor dental growth, and can assist in giving suggestions to stop thumb sucking. This can avoid expensive treatments or orthodontic visits.

During the appointment we typically ask about thumb sucking, and if the child does suck their thumb we can help talk to them about giving up that habit. If needed, an oral appliance can be made called an intraoral tongue crib. This appliance comfortably fits in the child’s mouth, and physically prevents thumb sucking. Typically, this device can help break their habit in a couple months.‍

Contact Us‍

Our team is here to help with all your family’s dental needs, and we enjoy watching our patients grow from children into adults. Our priority is to provide superior care to patients of all ages and ensure each patient is relaxed and comfortable during their appointment. If you are looking for a friendly and gentle dentist for your child’s next appointment we are here to help.

If you are interested in finding out more about pediatric dental care, contact us to schedule your pediatric appointment.