Thumb Sucking

THUMB SUCKING TEETH FULLERTON, CA

Sucking on thumbs, fingers, and pacifiers is a natural reflex for children and helps them feel more comfortable and secure growing up. According to a recent report, between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs, so don’t worry if your child begins to suck their thumb. However, it’s important to pay attention to the habit as your child develops as it could potentially impact their dental health.
 

WHAT IS NORMAL THUMB-SUCKING BEHAVIOR?

Babies are both with natural rooting and sucking reflexes, and many children begin sucking their thumbs or fingers from a very young age or even inside the womb. This habit helps sooth the infant and provide them with a sense of security. Thumb sucking helps relax your baby, which is why many children suck their thumbs as they fall asleep.

Many children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of two and four as they simply grow out of it. Some children continue the habit beyond preschool, but studies have shown that the older your child gets, the lower their chances are of continuing to suck their thumbs. If your child is still sucking their thumb after permanent teeth have erupted, it may be time to help your child break the habit.

WHAT SIGNS SHOULD I WATCH FOR?

Thumb sucking that continues after permanent teeth have come in could affect how the roof of the mouth and the teeth line up within the mouth. Specifically, if your child sucks their thumb vigorously, putting pressure on the mouth and teeth, the habit may be damaging to their oral health. Passive thumb sucking, when the thumb is just gently resting inside the mouth, is less likely to cause damage. Continued thumb sucking without intervention can affect teeth and face shape and may lead to necessary orthodontic treatment in the future.

If you are concerned about your child’s thumb sucking affecting their oral health, please contact us to set up an appointment to assess the situation.
HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE MY CHILD TO STOP THUMB SUCKING?
Follow these suggestions if you need help ending your child’s thumb sucking:

    1. Use positive reinforcement and be supportive. Praise or reward your child for not sucking their thumb instead of punishing them when they do.

    2. Identify triggers. If you notice your child sucking in response to stress or anxiety, work on identifying and removing the issue rather than focusing on the thumb sucking.

    3. Create diversions. If your child tends to suck during certain times (long car rides, while watching television), distract them.

    4. Cover the thumb. Place a band-aid on your child’s thumb or a glove over the hand at night to help them remember to avoid sucking.

    5. Use a progress chart. Let your child put a sticker up every day that they don’t suck their thumb. If they make it through a week without sucking, they can select a prize. Once the whole month is full, reward your child with a “grand prize” (a new toy or video game) and the habit should be finished.

    6. Explain potential issues. Clearly tell your child what could happen to the teeth if they keep thumb sucking.

Remember that your child needs support, patience, and understanding while they learn to break their thumb sucking habit. Please contact us to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation
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Our experience with Dr. Majd and the entire staff at Fullerton Orthodontics has been amazing. None of kids ever fear going to the orthodontist anymore! Dr Majd is so gentle, respectful, patient, and kind with her patients and her results are remarkable.
The office staff are so welcoming and helpful. We HIGHLY recommend Fullerton Orthodontics.
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Ryan Peterson
We love Fullerton Orthodontics! The staff is very personable and the quality of service is great! Would highly recommend!
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Stacey Duncan
I have been here at this orthodontics for over 3-4 years and I have loved it! Dr. Majd is so kind and helpful when it comes to your treatment! The staff is always so friendly! Definitely recommend!
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janette
Dr. Nooshin is very attentive to her patients and her team as well. My daughter received very good care throughout her treatment.
We recommended 100% their services.
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Maria Gutierrez
I'm so happy for choosing Dr. Majd as my orthodontist, she is so caring and professional. I had gone to see a few orthodontist and I didn't felt comfortable with any of them until I meet Dr. Majd I knew she was the one. My case was not easy at all but I couldn't be more happy with the results. I really recommend her and her lovely staff they have excellent skills and wonderful attitude. Thank you so much for my beautiful smile !!!
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Ruth J
They were friendly, helpful, the Doctor explained every step. Nice place also it got busy but they still acted professional I could see the doctor is passionate about her job.
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Damaris Ramirez
Dr. Majd is on of the best Orthodontists in the Fullerton area. My drive was 25 minutes and it was worth it. She is cheerful, friendly, and kind. I would especially choose her for a child's care if he or she is a bit timid about going to the dentist in general. I highly recommend her and this office.
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Lois Pecora
I absolutely love this place! I have always hated going to the dentist because I don have a nice smile and could never afford braces. I thought my teeth were too far gone for Invisalign! I was wrong! The entire staff and doctors were so unbelievably nice and working hard and pushing my smile to be better by the time I get married in 2 months! You can tell the moment that you walk through the door that they care and you’ll be taken of
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Veronica Luna
The children’s dentist is always super gentle and explains everything in detail to my son and myself. Always a clean office and very professional when it comes to appointment making. My son is no longer scared of the dentist and loves the prize he gets every time he is done which is usually a balloon and a small toy. Thanks guys keep up the great work.
P.s. the dentist assistants are always super sweet and helpful with my son as well
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Tereza Salgado
This was the second Orthodontics office that I visited and when I first came I knew it would be the one I'd choose to fix my not so great teeth (at the time). This really is a "Family" Orthodontics environment. The team is so nice and welcoming. Dr. Majd is just spectacular and I'm so glad I got to have her as my Orthodontist. She really cares about the results of your teeth and wants to make sure you're 100% satisfied. I love her for that! I'm almost at the tail end of my treatment and it went by quicker than expected thanks to Dr. Majd's instruction and her team's help. I live about 45 miles from here and I wouldn't change my place of treatment for anything. The commute is WORTH it. Thank you Dr. Majd and family for everything :)
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Brit Men
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