Oral habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking and tongue thrusting are common during early childhood. In many cases, children naturally outgrow these behaviors between the ages of 2 and 4. However, if these habits continue beyond this age, they can interfere with the healthy growth and development of the teeth, jaws and oral structures. Without timely intervention, your child could develop issues such as open bites, protruding teeth, speech difficulties and abnormal jaw growth patterns.
Habit Breaking Treatment
Our dentist and team are committed to helping your child enjoy healthy oral development and a confident smile. We offer gentle, effective habit breaking treatments in Dearborn, Michigan, designed to guide your child toward better long-term dental health.
How Oral Habits Affect Dental Health
Persistent thumb sucking and finger sucking habits create unnatural pressure against the teeth and jaws. This pressure can lead to open bites, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, or cause the front teeth to protrude forward. Tongue thrusting, which involves pushing the tongue against the teeth while swallowing, speaking or at rest, can similarly disrupt the alignment of teeth and arches. These conditions not only affect appearance but can also make chewing, speaking and maintaining proper oral hygiene more difficult.
Early intervention is key to minimizing the long-term effects of these habits. Our team will carefully evaluate your child’s oral development and recommend the best course of action based on their specific needs.
Habit Breaking Appliances & Home Strategies
One of the most effective methods for correcting harmful oral habits is the use of custom-made oral appliances. Thumb and finger sucking appliances are designed to make the habit less enjoyable, encouraging your child to stop the behavior naturally. For tongue thrusting, specialized appliances help retrain the muscles of the tongue through a form of physical therapy, guiding the tongue to rest and function correctly.
In addition to oral appliances, our experienced dentist may suggest at-home strategies to reinforce habit breaking. These may include placing a glove or sock over your child’s hand during times when they are likely to suck their fingers or finding new ways to distract them during moments of anxiety or boredom. Understanding the emotional reasons behind these habits can also be helpful. Addressing any underlying sources of anxiety can significantly assist in stopping the behavior.
Helping Your Child Succeed
Our dentist and team will work closely with you and your child, providing education, encouragement and support throughout their habit breaking process in Dearborn, Michigan. We believe that patience, positive reinforcement and personalized care are essential for success.
If you have concerns about your child’s oral habits, we invite you to contact our office today at 313-561-7070 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Haytham Fares. Together, we can help your child achieve a healthier, more confident smile.