Do you have a child that sucks their thumb, fingers, pacifier, or blanket?
We will create a FUN, customized plan to help your child overcome the habit and develop healthier facial structures, swallow, speech and airway health.
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This program is the perfect solution for parents looking to help their child break the habit. Our program is designed to be fun and engaging, with positive reinforcement and rewards along the way. With just a little hard work and dedication, your child can say goodbye to their habit and keep their teeth healthy.
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Let's give a thumbs up to better health without painful appliances or battles!
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn't sucking normal?
Yes, thumb and finger sucking is normal, in fact infants have a predetermined suckling reflux. We often can see this in the ultrasound images and can continue to calm themselves this way until 5-6 months of age. Pacifier use during sleep has been recommended to prevent SIDS. This is a personal decision not to be taken lightly and Lactation consultants will often recommend you wait until 2 weeks after birth to avoid breast feeding problems. Middle ear problems have been linked with pacifier use past age 10 months.
Why do kids suck their thumbs?
Thumb sucking releases a lot of hormones (endorphins, dopamine and serotonin). These pleasure hormones give babies and toddlers comfort, enabling them to self soothe which frankly - parents find soothing.
What else should I look for?
Some children have a trigger associated with their thumb sucking habit. This could include physical items such as a blanket, a teddy bear and can also be specific environments, such as when they are watching TV, traveling in the car or going to sleep at night. It’s important to identify and be aware of these triggers early on.
Why do dentist care so much?
Prolonged pacifier use is correlated with middle ear concerns, malocclusion such as overbite, underbite, open bite and crossbite, but it really depends on the duration, frequency and intensity of the sucking.
Are there any other considerations?
We know that thumb sucking can have serious negative effects on children’s behavior, sleep habits, and concentration. That’s why we are committed to providing individualized support and care to help children overcome the habit in a healthy way. We understand that thumb sucking is not the root problem, but rather a symptom of underlying emotional or developmental issues. That’s why we take an integrative approach, working closely with parents to identify those underlying issues and create customized treatment plans that provide the support children need to break the habit.
How does this work?
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Comprehensive Assessment
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(60 min) Meeting in person or on zoom​
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Individualized 30 day program
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2-3 calls to check in on progress
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1 (30 min) Final Meeting in person or zoom