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- 2019
- January (6)
- Why it's Worth the Effort to Save a Problem Baby Tooth
- Implant-Supported Dentures Could Boost Your Jawbone Health
- 4 Things that can Cause Gum Recession and What to do About Them
- Dental Care is Difficult but not Impossible for a Special Needs Child
- Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments
- A New Resolution - Floss!
- 2018
- December (7)
- Practice the Dental Care Basics to Ensure a Healthy Smile
- The Benefits of Dental Implants
- New Year, New Smile
- Bitewing X-Rays Safely 'Reveal all' About Back Teeth to Prevent Tooth Decay
- Practice Daily Oral Hygiene to Prevent Calcified Plaque Formation
- Kids, Cats and Canines: Dental Development Through the Ages
- TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
- November (6)
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
- Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
- How to Maximize Your Child's Dental Health Potential
- The Connection Between GERD and Oral Health
- 4 Foods That May Help You Prevent Tooth Decay
- October (7)
- Teens May Need a Temporary Replacement for Missing Teeth
- New Dental Advances Promise Better Outcomes for Treating Decay
- Five Tips for Top-Notch Tooth Brushing
- Preventive Care for Your Child is a Partnership between You and Your Dentist
- Don't Stress Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit Unless it Persists
- Stay Ahead of Plaque Buildup with Effective Brushing and Flossing
- How to Determine If You Have a Dental Emergency
- August (7)
- Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
- What to do if Your Child has a Toothache
- Treating a Young, Permanent Tooth Requires a Different Approach
- Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
- Take Care of Your Dental Appliance and It Will Take Care of You
- When are Dental Crowns Needed?
- Sleep Apnea Might be Robbing you of More than a Good Night's Sleep
- July (7)
- Dental Amalgam Continues to be a Durable and Safe Tooth Filling
- Replacing a Back Tooth May Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems
- Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
- Think Water First for Summer Thirst
- Teeth Grinding in Older Children and Adolescents a Cause for Concern
- June (6)
- Complex Mouth Conditions Call for Dental Specialties
- Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
- Gum Disease is Still a Threat to Your Dental Implants
- Don't Fear the Root Canal - it Could Save Your Tooth
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us
- March (5)
- Bone Loss: the Hidden Consequence of Your Missing Teeth
- 3 Fluoride Sources You Should Monitor for Your Family's Dental Health
- Removing Teeth Could Improve the Outcome for a Crowded Bite
- A "No-Prep" Veneer Could Eliminate the Need to Remove Tooth Enamel
- 3 Things Your Dentist Recommends You do if You Have Shingles
- 2017
- December (6)
- Take Your Dentures out at Night to Extend Their Usefulness
- Support Your Child's Dental Development with Preventive Care
- What to Do About Your Child's Toothache Before Seeing the Dentist
- Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
- What Can Dental Bonding Do for Me?
- New Year's Resolutions for Better Oral Health
- June (5)
- Protect Your Child's Long-Term Dental Health with Regular Office Visits
- You'll Experience Little to No Discomfort During and After Implant Surgery
- No- or Minimal-Prep Veneers Reduce Permanent Alterations to Your Teeth
- Do You Have A Gap In Your Teeth?
- Don't let Periodontal Disease Cause Your Gums to Recede
- May (5)
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
- Don't Let Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Sleep - or Your Health
- Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
- We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
- April (5)
- Be Alert to the Unintended Consequences of Cancer Treatment to Oral Health
- Watch for These Developing Bite Problems with Your Child's Teeth
- New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
- A Healthy Diet is Your Best Source for Vitamins and Minerals
- Get a Dental Exam as Soon as Possible if you Suspect Gum Disease
- February (6)
- Take These Actions to Make Your Child More Comfortable During Teething
- You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
- A Child's Damaged Tooth may require a Different Approach than an Adult's
- Try Conservative Measures to Treating TMD Before More Aggressive Options
- Do I Really Need Dental Implants?
- Could a Metal Allergy Keep You From Getting a Dental Implant?
- January (5)
- Stay Ahead of Gum Disease Re-Infection with Periodontal Maintenance
- A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
- Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
- Chronic Jaw Pain Could be Related to Other Inflammatory Conditions
- Non-Prescription Pain Medication can Manage Most Post-Procedure Discomfort
- 2016
- October (5)
- New Understanding of Bacteria Promises Better Approaches to Oral Care
- Keeping up Good Hygiene Still a Necessity with Dental Implants
- Are You Brushing Correctly?
- Even Though not in the "Smile Zone" You Should Replace that Back Tooth
- An Infected or Injured Primary Tooth Can Be Saved - but it's Complicated
- June (6)
- Getting the Full Picture of Your Decay Risk Leads to Better Prevention Strategies
- The Risk for Gum Disease Increases While Wearing Braces
- Do Your Dentures and Mouth a Favor: Take Them Out at Night
- 4 Things You Should be Doing to Maintain a Healthy Mouth
- Can Dental Implants Help Me?
- A Crown Could be the Answer to Preserving Your Damaged Tooth
- May (5)
- Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
- Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
- Chewing Tobacco is Just as Addictive and Dangerous as Smoking
- 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
- Dental Implants and Smoking - Cause for Concern?
- March (5)
- Good Oral Hygiene Just as Important for Implants as for Natural Teeth
- The Importance of Baby Teeth
- There's Still Hope for a Re-Infected Tooth After Root Canal Treatment
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
- February (5)
- FAQs: Keeping Your Mouth Healthy After Gum Disease Treatment
- Effective Oral Hygiene is Key to Disease Prevention While Wearing Braces
- What Do I Need To Do To Take Care of My Dental Veneers?
- Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit
- Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
- 2015
- December (6)
- Pay Attention to Gum Disease Warning Signs for an Early Diagnosis
- The truth about cavities
- Improve Your Brushing and Flossing Habit with These Tips
- Certain Factors May Raise Your Risk and the Intensity of Gum Disease
- Sleep Apnea and Behavioral Problems in Children: How Your Dentist Can Help
- Saliva Performs Many Functions for Both Oral and General Health
- October (6)
- Dental Implants Help Maintain Bone Health
- Survey Says: They'd Rather Have a Root Canal
- The Parent-Dentist Partnership: Establishing Better Oral Health for Your Child
- Lost a Tooth? You Have Options
- Diabetics with Gum Disease Benefit from Coordinating Treatment for Both
- A Bird's-Eye View of Tooth Replacement
- August (5)
- Ultrasonic Plaque Removal an Effective Alternative to Manual Scaling
- While Usually Benign, Lichen Planus Lesions Should Still be Examined
- The Perils of a Loose Permanent Tooth - and What to do About it
- Look at the Long-Term Costs When Considering Dental Implants
- Easing the Pain and Discomfort of Canker Sores
- July (6)
- Ridge Augmentation Gives You an Even Smile
- To Fight Tooth Decay Reduce "BAD" factors, Promote "SAFE" Ones
- Conscious Sedation Eases Treatment Anxiety for Young Dental Patients
- Know What to Expect During Your Child's 'Baby' Teeth Phase
- Orthodontics Could be in Your Smile Makeover Plan
- Plagued by Mysterious Mouth Ulcers?
- May (5)
- Emergency Dentistry - Have Your Emergency Handled By A Professional
- Do You Need Antibiotics Before Having a Dental Procedure?
- Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile
- A Clear Diagnosis of Jaw Pain is Needed to Determine the Right Treatment
- Using Sinus Surgery to Stimulate Bone Growth for Implants
- April (6)
- Fixed or Removable: Deciding Which Implant-Supported Bridge is Best for You
- What Can A Deep Cleaning Do For Gum Disease?
- Irritating Cold Sore Outbreaks can be Controlled Through Medication
- Mouthguards Reduce Risk of Concussion as well as Dental Injuries
- Timing is Everything When it Comes to Treating Mouth Injuries
- Root Canal Therapy Stops Infection In Its Tracks
- February (5)
- Consider all the Cost Factors When Deciding on a Crown Restoration
- Severe Dental Injuries May Require Endodontic Treatment
- Choose a Mouthrinse Carefully if you want to Enhance your Dental Health
- Why Dental Implants Are Made To Restore Your Smile
- Three Things You May Not Know About Root Canal Treatments
- 2014
- September (6)
- Acute Tooth Pain may be Signaling Your Need for Root Canal Treatment
- 3 Dental Options For The Perfect Smile
- Our Arsenal of Weapons in the War Against Gum Disease
- Encountering Positive Experiences the Key to Overcoming Dental Anxiety
- Treating Chipped Teeth: A Common Sports Injury Among Kids
- Bone Grafting can put Implants Back on Your Options List
- August (5)
- Bad Breath Might be a Sign of a More Serious Oral Condition
- Overcome Oral Cancer With Screenings and Lifestyle Changes
- A Fixed Bridge Remains an Effective Option for Tooth Replacement
- Several Factors Determine Tooth Longevity After a Root Canal Treatment
- Frequently Asked Questions about Inlays and Onlays
- 2013
- December (6)
- A Crowning Achievement: Natural-Looking Teeth
- Brushing and Flossing - Two Key Elements to Avoiding Dental Disease
- Early Detection is Critical to Surviving Oral Cancer
- Five Things You Should Know About Oral Cancer
- Dental Implants Help Kissimmee Residents Restore Their Smiles
- Preventing Early Childhood Cavities
- October (6)
- "No-Prep" Veneers may be an Option for Some Patients
- Five Facts About Tooth-Colored Fillings
- End the Embarrassment of Stained Teeth with Whitening
- Kissimmee Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mansour, Builds Confident Smiles and Healthier Mouths
- Protect Your Enamel From the Damaging Effects of Acid
- Five Things You Should Know About Sleep Apnea
- 2012
- August (7)
- What Is A Crown?
- Bad Breath? Try a Tongue Scraper
- Father's Day Tip: Step Up & Improve Your Dental Health!
- Actress Florence Henderson Shares Her Secrets for Keeping Your Natural Teeth as You Age
- Tooth-Colored Fillings Are the Restoration of Choice for Ballroom Dance Star Cheryl Burke
- Early Orthodontic Care Helped Child Star Nolan Gould Get Ready for Prime Time
- What Is Gum Recession and How Is It Treated?
- 2011
- 2010
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My Blog
Posts for tag: thumb sucking

It’s true — thumb sucking beyond age 4 can cause bite problems for permanent teeth. But prolonged thumb sucking is just one of a number of possible contributing factors for a bad bite (malocclusion). A dentist must identify all the factors involved when a bad bite is present — their involvement is essential for a successful treatment outcome.
A fairly benign habit for infants and toddlers, thumb sucking is related to an “infantile swallowing pattern” young children use by thrusting their tongues forward between the upper and lower teeth when they swallow. Around age 4, though, they usually transition to an adult swallowing pattern in which the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth just behind the front teeth. Thumb sucking stops for most children around the same time.
Thumb sucking beyond this age, though, can put increased pressure on incoming permanent teeth pushing them forward. This could lead to an “open bite” in which the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the jaws are closed. The tongue may also continue to thrust forward when swallowing to seal the resulting gap, which further reinforces the open bite.
Before treating the bite with braces, we must first address the thumb sucking and improper tongue placement when swallowing — if either isn’t corrected the teeth could gradually revert to their previous positions after the braces come off. Besides behavioral incentives, we can also employ a thin metal appliance called a “tongue crib” placed behind the upper and lower incisors. A tongue crib discourages thumb sucking and makes it more difficult for the tongue to rest within the open bite gap when swallowing, which helps retrain it to a more normal position.
An open bite can also occur if the jaws develop with too much vertical growth. Like thumb sucking and improper tongue placement, abnormal jaw growth could ultimately cause orthodontic treatment to fail. In this case, though, surgery may be necessary to correct the jaw structure.
With all these possible variables, our first step needs to be a thorough orthodontic exam that identifies all the cause factors for your child’s specific malocclusion. Knowing if and how thumb sucking may have contributed to the poor bite will help us design a treatment strategy that’s successful.
If you would like more information on the causes of poor tooth position, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “How Thumb Sucking Affects the Bite.”

One of the most common parental concerns is the habit of many children, even late into childhood, to suck their thumbs or fingers. Many parents have asked us, “Could this affect their teeth?”
The answer, unfortunately, is yes — thumb sucking can contribute to a malocclusion (bad bite) that could eventually require orthodontic treatment. Before making any assumptions, however, we need to understand the bigger picture.
To begin with, infants have a different swallowing mechanism than adults and older children. When you as an adult swallow, you'll notice the tip of your tongue positions itself just above the back of the top front teeth. An infant, however, will thrust their tongue between their upper and lower jaw as they swallow (also known as an infantile swallowing pattern or primary tongue thrust). The infant normally begins changing to an adult swallowing pattern when their primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt.
However, if a child's swallowing transition is slower than normal and the tongue rests between the jaws for a longer duration, it can inhibit the full eruption of teeth, believed to be the main cause of an open bite (a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are shut). The thumb during sucking resting between the teeth can have the same effect.
Thumb sucking may not necessarily lead to a malocclusion — for example, an abnormally developing jawbone could be the culprit. If prolonged thumb sucking does become a concern, however, there are steps we can take to reduce the impact of the habit. We can install a thin metal “tongue crib” behind the upper and lower incisors that will not only discourage thumb sucking, but also help retrain the tongue not to rest between the upper and lower teeth. There are also exercise routines known as orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) that can retrain specific muscles in the mouth to encourage more normal chewing and swallowing patterns.
These steps may not prevent future orthodontic treatment, but they could reduce its extent. The key is regular dental checkups and consultation to ensure your child's teeth and bite are developing normally.
If you would like more information on the effects of chronic thumb sucking on the mouth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “How Thumb Sucking Affects the Bite.”

For many children, thumb sucking is a great source of comfort. However, for some parents, it sets off potential red flags. See how much you really know about thumb sucking by taking our quick and easy true/false self test.
- Thumb or finger sucking is a totally normal behavior for babies and young children that should not cause any concerns for parents or caregivers.
True or False - One of the main reasons babies and young children suck their thumbs or fingers is that it provides a sense of security.
True or False - Sonograms have revealed that some babies actually begin sucking their fingers or thumbs in their mother's womb, before they are even born.
True or False - Recent research has shown that children using a pacifier after the age of four may cause long-term changes in the mouth.
True or False - Most children who suck their fingers or thumb tend to stop this habit on their own between the ages of two and four.
True or False - One of the biggest myths about thumb sucking is that it can cause buck teeth (the teeth tip outwards towards the lips).
True or False - The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children stop using a pacifier and/or thumb or finger sucking by the age of three; however some recent studies suggest that this should stop as early as 18 months of age.
True or False - Breaking a pacifier habit is often much more difficult to break than a finger or thumb sucking habit.
True or False - Dipping a pacifier, finger or thumb in vinegar is a recommended way of stopping the habit.
True or False - For the most challenging cases, we may suggest that your child needs a mouth appliance that a blocks sucking habits.
True or False
Answers: 1) False. While it is a totally natural habit, parents and caregivers should monitor thumb or finger sucking. 2) True. 3) True. 4) False. It is not age 4, but rather age 2. 5) True. 6) False. This is NOT a myth but rather a fact. 7) True. 8) False. It is easier. 9) True. 10) True.
If you are having trouble getting your child to stop using a pacifier, thumb or finger sucking habit, we are an excellent resource for working with you and your child to accomplish this goal. To learn more on this topic, continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Thumb Sucking in Children.” Or you can contact us today to schedule an appointment or to discuss your questions.

If you asked a room full of parents about their opinions on thumb sucking and pacifiers, the odds are good that you would get a wide variety of opinions. The truth is that this habit is a perfectly normal behavior in babies and young children; however, it is something that parents and caregivers should monitor. This is why we want to share a few basic myths and facts to set the record straight.
So how early does thumb sucking start?
It is interesting to note that thumb sucking for some babies actually starts before birth. This fact is proven quite often when expectant mothers “see” their unborn child sucking fingers or a thumb during a routine mid to later term sonogram. Sucking for babies is absolutely normal; it provides them with a sense of security. It is also a way they test, make contact and learn about their world.
At what age should a parent be concerned if their child still sucks a pacifier, finger or a thumb?
Recent studies have shown that if a sucking habit continues after the age of two, there may be some long-term changes in the mouth that have can have a negative impact on jaw development and/or with the upper front teeth. (It can cause these upper front teeth to become “bucked” or protrude forward towards the lips.) The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents and caregivers encourage children to cease this habit by about age three.
Do children ever stop this habit on their own?
Absolutely! If left alone, many children will naturally stop sucking their fingers or thumb between the ages of two and four. The main points to remember are that sucking habits are totally natural and should stop on their own. You should not make it a problem unnecessarily. If, however, your child is getting older and still seems dependant upon this habit, feel free to contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child or to discuss your specific questions about pacifiers and finger or thumb sucking. You can also learn more about this topic by continuing to read the Dear Doctor magazine article “Thumb Sucking in Children.”

Sucking their fingers or thumbs makes young babies feel secure and is completely normal behavior. Babies have been observed to suck their fingers or thumbs even before they are born. But like many comforting habits, over-doing pacifier, thumb, or finger sucking habits may be harmful.
Stop Pacifier Use by 18 Months
Studies have shown that pacifier use after the age of two may cause long-term changes in a child's mouth. We recommend that pacifier use should stop by about 18 months. A pacifier habit is often easier to break than finger or thumb sucking.
Stop Thumb and Finger Sucking by Age Three
Most children naturally stop thumb and finger sucking between two and four years of age, but some children continue this habit much longer. This may cause their upper front teeth to tip towards their lips or to come into position improperly. It can also cause their upper jaw to develop incorrectly. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children stop these habits by age three.
Use of Behavior Management to Encourage Quitting
We offer creative strategies for gentle ways to cut back and stop pacifier use, including behavior management techniques that use appropriate rewards given at predetermined intervals. Meanwhile, make periodic appointments with us to carefully watch the way your child's teeth and jaws develop.
When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, just talking about what may happen to teeth as a result can often encourage him/her to quit. As a last resort, a mouth appliance that blocks sucking may be needed.
If you are worried about your child sucking a pacifier, thumb, or fingers, please visit us to put your mind at rest. For more information read “Thumb Sucking in Children” in Dear Doctor magazine. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your questions about children's thumb sucking.