Thumbsucking and Oral Health

Does your child suck their thumb? Thumbsucking is a normal reflex that many young children practice for comfort and relaxation. But prolonged thumbsucking can affect your child’s oral health, resulting in issues like misaligned teeth. With three locations in Phoenix, AZ, Kidz Connextion is passionate about your child’s oral health, from thumbsucking to cavities. Call our office today if you have any questions.

Thumbsucking and Your Child’s Teeth

Passive thumbsucking which is simply holding the thumb in the mouth doesn’t damage the teeth. But thumbsucking with a lot of motion or active thumbsucking causes misaligned teeth, damage to the roof of the mouth, and changes to the shape of the jawbone such as overbite issues. 

Thumbsucking becomes an issue when your child’s first tooth appears. Your Phoenix, AZ dentist sees patients as early as 12 months, so contact the Kidz Connextion offices to address thumbsucking right away.

How to Stop Your Child’s ThumbSucking

Typically, children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of two to four. If thumbsucking continues past these ages, there are several ways to help wean your child off this habit:

-Include praise or positive reinforcement when your child doesn’t suck their thumb

-Focus on alleviating anxiety. Since thumbsucking is as a source of comfort when children are anxious, try to eliminate that anxiety.

-Involve your child in the process. If you have an older child who is still thumbsucking include them in the process to stop this habit, by setting gentle reminders and goals to accomplish.

If your child’s thumbsucking habit is still a concern, contact our Kidz Connextion offices in Phoenix, AZ today. Your dentist can prescribe medication or devices to hinder your child from sucking their thumb. 

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Thumbsucking and Oral Health

Does your child suck their thumb? Thumbsucking is a normal reflex that many young children practice for comfort and relaxation. But prolonged thumbsucking can affect your child’s oral health, resulting in issues like misaligned teeth. With three locations in Phoenix, AZ, Kidz Connextion is passionate about your child’s oral health, from thumbsucking to cavities. Call our office today if you have any questions.

Thumbsucking and Your Child’s Teeth

Passive thumbsucking which is simply holding the thumb in the mouth doesn’t damage the teeth. But thumbsucking with a lot of motion or active thumbsucking causes misaligned teeth, damage to the roof of the mouth, and changes to the shape of the jawbone such as overbite issues. 

Thumbsucking becomes an issue when your child’s first tooth appears. Your Phoenix, AZ dentist sees patients as early as 12 months, so contact the Kidz Connextion offices to address thumbsucking right away.

How to Stop Your Child’s ThumbSucking

Typically, children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of two to four. If thumbsucking continues past these ages, there are several ways to help wean your child off this habit:

-Include praise or positive reinforcement when your child doesn’t suck their thumb

-Focus on alleviating anxiety. Since thumbsucking is as a source of comfort when children are anxious, try to eliminate that anxiety.

-Involve your child in the process. If you have an older child who is still thumbsucking include them in the process to stop this habit, by setting gentle reminders and goals to accomplish.

If your child’s thumbsucking habit is still a concern, contact our Kidz Connextion offices in Phoenix, AZ today. Your dentist can prescribe medication or devices to hinder your child from sucking their thumb. 

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Healthy Oral Habits for Children

Maintaining the oral health of your child occurs in stages as the child gets older. Encouraging your children to take responsibility for their own oral care and instilling healthy habits not only helps prevent cavities but also boosts your child's self-esteem while keeping their smile healthy. Kidz Connextion delivers high-quality care to provide your child with a winning smile. 

As tough as a child may seem, their tooth enamel is not as strong as an adult’s. Starting at an early age, our doctors can teach pediatric patients about the importance of dental hygiene by instructing parents how to build a fun, brushing and flossing routine together. Brushing time is easier when it feels like playtime. For instance, getting your child to pretend they are a lion encourages a wide-open mouth for brushing. Losing teeth and developing gaps can make your child self-conscious, which is why the tooth fairy method is also effective.

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist, look no further and give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.