Oral Habits in Lisle, IL
In infants and toddlers, thumbsucking, pacifier use, and other oral habits are completely normal, and most children give them up on their own between ages 2 and 4. Carry on past that age, though, and these habits can throw off tooth alignment, jaw development, and bite, sometimes setting up a need for early orthodontic treatment. At Brammeier Family Dental, Drs. Brammeier and Ericson keep an eye on your child's development and help families manage oral habits before they leave lasting problems.
What it is
For babies and young children, sucking on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or other objects is a natural reflex. It only becomes a concern once the habit lingers past age 3–4 and starts to affect dental development.
Who it affects
Almost every child takes up some form of non-nutritive sucking. Stepping in is only necessary when the habit is frequent, aggressive, and still going as permanent teeth begin to erupt.
How we help
Watching your child's jaw and tooth development at every visit, guiding parents on when and how to step in, and providing habit-breaking appliances when they're needed.
Oral habits fade on their own for most children. We'll help you judge if and when to step in.
Why Children Develop Oral Habits
- Sucking is a natural reflex that gives babies a sense of comfort and security
- Some infants start sucking their fingers or thumbs before they're even born
- Because young babies take in the world through their senses, mouthing and touching colorful objects is a normal part of development
- Stretches of stress, boredom, or fatigue often ramp these habits up
- When the habit is tied to a 'lovey' or stuffed animal, gradually weaning that comfort object can help break the cycle
Pacifiers vs. Thumbsucking
- Pacifiers and thumb/finger sucking carry the same effect on teeth and jaws
- The real difference is that pacifier habits tend to be easier to break, since the pacifier can simply be taken away
- Many children grasp that pacifiers are for babies and will part with them by age 2
- Thumbsucking is tougher to quit because the thumb is always there
- Not every habit does equal harm: children who aggressively suck their thumb cause more damage than those who simply rest a finger in their mouth
Managing Your Child's Habit
When Should I Be Concerned?
- Since most children stop sucking on their own, there's no need to worry about the habit in very young children
- Drs. Brammeier and Ericson keep watch on your child's teeth and jaw development at every visit
- When the habit is excessive and frequent, we may recommend intervention after age 3
- To prevent misalignment, the habit must be stopped before the permanent front teeth begin to erupt
- Many children drop the habit naturally once they start preschool and social awareness grows
- Drawn-out habits can lead to open bites, protruding front teeth, and changes to the shape of the palate
Tips to Help Your Child Stop
- Positive reinforcement: Set up a chart, reward every day your child goes without sucking their thumb, and keep the whole thing upbeat
- Gentle awareness: Ask whether your child realizes their finger is in their mouth, then steer their attention to a favorite toy or activity
- Identify triggers: When the habit picks up with stress or boredom, meet the underlying cause with comfort and distraction
- Never scold or shame your child over the habit, particularly in public, as that only feeds anxiety and makes things worse
- If home strategies fall short, Drs. Brammeier and Ericson may suggest a habit-breaking appliance or other techniques
The best results come when parents and dentist team up. Let us help your child outgrow their habit.
What to Expect at Your Visit
How We Evaluate Oral Habits
- Assessment: Drs. Brammeier and Ericson look at how the habit is shaping your child's teeth, bite, and jaw development
- Discussion: We sit down with parents to go over how often, how intensely, and how long the habit has gone on
- Guidance: Age-appropriate suggestions for managing or breaking the habit at home
- Monitoring: Regular follow-up to watch for changes and adjust the approach as needed
- Intervention: When called for, Drs. Brammeier and Ericson may recommend a habit-breaking appliance or a referral to an orthodontist
Habit-Breaking Appliances
- A small device set in the mouth that makes sucking less satisfying without any pain
- Generally used once the child is old enough to understand yet still can't quit the habit alone
- It's usually worn for several months and taken out once the habit has stopped
- Pairing it with positive reinforcement at home tends to give the best results
- Drs. Brammeier and Ericson walk parents through every option before recommending an appliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Every child grows at their own pace. Schedule an evaluation to be sure your child's smile is on track.