Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Thumb Sucking and Oral Habit Guidance in Cultus
Thumb sucking, soothers and tongue habits can affect developing teeth. Cultus parents can learn when to be concerned and gentle ways to help a child stop.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Cultus patients at our office in Port Dover
Browse every dental service for CultusGentle guidance for growing habits
Many oral habits are normal, but some can shape how teeth develop.
Thumb and finger sucking, soother use, nail biting, lip sucking and tongue thrusting are common in young children and often provide comfort. Most children stop on their own. When habits continue as permanent teeth arrive, they can affect tooth position, the shape of the palate and how the teeth meet.
Families in Cultus can ask our Port Dover dentists about their child’s habits at any checkup. We will look for signs that a habit is affecting development and suggest supportive, age-appropriate ways to help your child break it without adding stress to everyday family life.
When to be concerned
Age and intensity matter.
Normal habits in young children
Sucking is a natural reflex in babies and toddlers. Many children stop thumb sucking or soother use between ages two and four. Occasional sucking at bedtime is less likely to cause problems than frequent, vigorous sucking throughout the day. The dentist will ask about how often and how strongly your child sucks. A callus on the thumb is one clue.
Signs of dental effects
Front teeth that tip forward, a gap between upper and lower front teeth when biting, a narrow palate or speech difficulties may indicate that a habit is affecting development. The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and bite and explain any changes they notice. Photos at each visit can help track whether things are improving once the habit begins to fade.
Types of habits
Different habits affect teeth in different ways.
Thumb, finger and soother sucking
Prolonged thumb, finger or soother sucking can push upper front teeth forward and lower teeth back, and may narrow the upper jaw. Soother effects may be easier to reverse because the habit is often easier to stop. The dentist can explain how your child’s specific habit may be influencing their teeth. Earlier change tends to be easier.
Tongue thrusting and other habits
Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing or speaking, can contribute to an open bite. Lip sucking, nail biting and teeth grinding are other habits worth discussing. The dentist may suggest referral to a speech therapist or orthodontist for some habits. These professionals can work alongside the dental team to address both the habit and its effects.
Helping your child
Support works better than pressure.
Positive encouragement
Praise your child when they are not sucking, rather than scolding when they are. Children often suck for comfort when tired, anxious or bored, so addressing those triggers can help. Explain gently why stopping helps their teeth, using simple language suited to their age. Pressure or teasing tends to make the habit stronger, so keep the tone encouraging and patient.
Practical strategies
Reward charts, gentle reminders, keeping hands busy with a toy and offering comfort in other ways at bedtime can help. Covering the thumb with a bandage or glove at night may serve as a reminder. If your child is older and wants to stop, involve them in choosing strategies. Expect a few slips along the way.
Further support
Some children need additional help.
Habit appliances
If a habit persists and is affecting teeth, the dentist may discuss a habit-breaking appliance that makes sucking less satisfying. These are typically considered only for older children who want to stop. The dentist will explain how the appliance works and how long it might be worn. Your child’s buy-in matters most for lasting success.
Monitoring development
Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor how teeth and jaws develop as the habit decreases. Many changes improve once the habit stops, especially at a young age. If problems persist, an early orthodontic assessment may be recommended to guide further care. Monitoring can usually happen during routine checkups, so it does not mean extra trips for your family.
Planning your appointment
Habit guidance for Cultus families
Mention your child’s habits at their next checkup at our Port Dover office, or call to arrange an assessment if you are concerned about changes to their teeth or bite.
Note when the habit tends to happen and what you have tried. This helps the dentist suggest strategies suited to your child.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Oral habit questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
At what age should my child stop thumb sucking?
Many children stop by age four. The dentist may suggest encouraging a child to stop before permanent front teeth come in, around age six, to reduce the risk of changes. Gentle support works best at any age.
Are soothers better than thumb sucking?
Soothers can be easier to limit and take away, but prolonged use can still affect teeth. The dentist can discuss strategies for reducing either habit, such as limiting the soother to bedtime first and then phasing it out.
Will my child’s teeth go back to normal after stopping?
Many changes improve once the habit stops, particularly at a young age. Some may need orthodontic treatment. The dentist will monitor development and let you know if a referral would help your child later on.
What is tongue thrusting?
It is when the tongue pushes forward against the teeth during swallowing or speaking. It can contribute to bite problems. The dentist may recommend referral for therapy with a speech professional or orthodontist if needed.
Should I use bitter nail polish to stop thumb sucking?
Some families use it, but positive encouragement is often more effective. Discuss options with the dentist, who can suggest approaches suited to your child and explain how long change usually takes for most children and families.
Related development resources
Children’s Dentistry →Early Orthodontic Assessments →
An early orthodontic check looks at how a child’s teeth and jaws are developing. Cultus parents can learn what is assessed and when monitoring is enough.
Pediatric Treatment Education →
Children cope better when they understand what will happen. Cultus parents can learn how our Port Dover team explains treatment and how to prepare kids at home.