Thumb

Sucking

We can help your child break the thumb-sucking habit!

Our Emerald Coast orthodontists have helped many children stop thumb sucking. Thumb sucking can lead to a number of orthodontic problems, including open bites, “buck” teeth, gapped teeth, and more.  The function of thumb sucking actually changes the form of the upper jaw as it grows – form follows function. The sooner your child stops thumb sucking, the better.

Request a complimentary consultation at one of our 8 locations for you and your child, and we’ll help you kick the thumb sucking habit for good!

Thumb Sucking

How to

stop thumb sucking

There are a few different methods you can do to stop your child’s thumb sucking. The first is putting something foul tasting on your child’s thumb. Make sure that whatever you apply is non-toxic and won’t harm the child if ingested. For example, a few of our patients have tried applying Mavala to their child’s thumb.

Other methods that our patients have tried include thumb guards. These are plastic guards that cover the thumb. These guards can be wrapped around the wrist, making it difficult for your child to remove. Our doctors recommend that patients come in for a consultation in order to determine the best treatment option for thumb sucking.

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What can Fishbein Orthodontics do to help stop thumb sucking?

We’ve never encountered a child that we couldn’t help stop sucking their thumb. We have found that Habit Appliances are the best deterrent when it comes to thumb sucking. These are appliances that are temporarily cemented into your child’s mouth, and will stay in place until the habit stops. This is a great solution as it is semi-permanent, so once the habit stops the appliance can be removed.

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Your exam today

Come visit your Board Certified Orthodontist soon!
Though you may find these suggestions helpful to stop your child from sucking their thumb, we still recommend that you bring your child in for a consultation. It is possible that their habit has already led to orthodontic issues. Our patients are important to us and our goal is to provide them with the most up-to-date orthodontic treatments including Invisalign and InBrace braces. We encourage you to browse the remainder of our website for more information on our premier orthodontic practice. Should you have any further questions, concerns or wish to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to meeting you on your first visit!
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Teenage years are tough enough without adding braces to the mix. Invisalign Teen is a discrete alternative to braces that uses clear, BPA-free plastic aligners to straighten your child’s teeth.
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