Thumb and/or finger sucking and pacifier use are natural comforting actions for babies. Most infants stop the habit by age two, however, if your child does not stop, you should help to curb the habit as soon as possible. If your child continues past the age when permanent teeth start to erupt, they may develop crooked teeth and a malformed roof of their mouth. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded teeth, permanent bite problems or even speech impairment. We encourage parents to break the habit as early as possible by using positive reinforcement.
Suggestions to break the habit:
Wait until the time is right (low stress)
Motivate your child (show examples of what could happen to their teeth)
Use a reward system, small incentives will encourage your child to stick to it!
Habit Appliances
Customized thumb/finger appliances can be placed in the child’s mouth to prevent/deter the child from causing a lasting effect to the developing dentition. They are very effective when left in place 3-6 months. They are inserted using dental cement and will be removed by our doctor once the habit has been broken.