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 Nixon
Thumb sucking and soother use are normal for young kids, but lasting habits can affect teeth. Nixon parents can learn when to act and gentle ways to help.
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.
Serving patients from Nixon and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NixonGentle support for growing habits
Most children outgrow these habits, but some need a little help.
Sucking on thumbs, fingers or soothers is a natural way for babies and toddlers to comfort themselves. Many children stop on their own during the preschool years. When a habit continues as adult teeth arrive, it can affect how the teeth line up and how the jaws develop. Other habits, like tongue thrusting or nail biting, can also play a role.
Parents in Nixon can ask about oral habits during their child’s checkup at our Port Dover office. The dentist will look for effects on the teeth and bite, explain whether action is needed and suggest gentle, age-appropriate strategies that support your child rather than causing stress.
Is it a concern
Age and intensity matter more than the habit itself.
What is normal at different ages
Thumb sucking and soother use are common in infants and toddlers and are often harmless at that stage. Many children stop by the time they are preschoolers. The dentist considers how often your child sucks, how vigorously and for how long each time. Passive resting of a thumb in the mouth has less effect than strong, frequent sucking.
Signs the habit is affecting teeth
Signs that a habit may be affecting development include front teeth that flare outward, a gap between upper and lower front teeth when biting, a narrow upper jaw or changes in speech. The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and bite and explain whether the habit appears to be causing changes that warrant gentle intervention.
Gentle strategies
Support works better than scolding.
Positive encouragement
Praise your child when they are not sucking their thumb or soother, rather than criticizing them when they are. Reward charts, small incentives and encouraging words can help. Let older children take ownership by choosing their own reminders. Pressure or shame often makes habits harder to break, so keep the approach positive, patient and supportive.
Understanding triggers
Many children suck their thumbs when tired, anxious, bored or watching screens. Notice when the habit happens most and offer alternatives, such as holding a soft toy, squeezing a ball or keeping hands busy. Addressing the underlying need, like comfort at bedtime, can help reduce reliance on the habit over time. Small, steady steps usually work better than a sudden stop.
Other oral habits
Other habits can affect teeth too.
Tongue thrusting and mouth breathing
Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth when swallowing or speaking, can contribute to bite changes. Mouth breathing, often related to nasal congestion or enlarged tonsils, may affect jaw development. The dentist may suggest discussing these with your physician or a speech-language professional, depending on what they observe in your child over time.
Nail biting and chewing objects
Nail biting, chewing pencils or other objects and grinding can wear or chip teeth and irritate gums. These habits are common during stressful periods. Gentle reminders and alternatives, like sugar-free gum for older children, may help. Mention any habits you notice so the dentist can check for effects and suggest suitable strategies for your family.
Further help
Some children need extra support.
Appliances and referrals
If a habit persists and is clearly affecting teeth or jaw development, the dentist may discuss a habit appliance that makes sucking less satisfying, or refer your child for an orthodontic assessment. These options are considered only when needed and when your child is ready. The dentist will explain the purpose and how the appliance would work.
Ongoing monitoring
The dentist will monitor your child’s teeth and bite at regular checkups. Many changes caused by early habits improve once the habit stops, especially if it stops before adult teeth are fully in. Keep track of progress at home and share it at each visit so the dentist can adjust advice as your child grows.
Planning your appointment
Ask about habits on your next visit from Nixon.
Mention thumb sucking, soother use or other habits at your child’s next checkup at our Port Dover office, or book a visit specifically to discuss them. The dentist will check for effects on the teeth and bite.
Bring notes about when the habit happens, how often and any strategies you have already tried at home with 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.
When should my child stop sucking their thumb?
Many children stop on their own during the preschool years. If the habit continues as adult teeth begin to arrive, it is worth discussing with the dentist. The concern depends on how often and how intensely your child sucks.
Are soothers better than thumb sucking?
Soothers can be easier to limit and take away than thumbs, but both can affect teeth if used for a long time. The dentist can offer guidance on gradually reducing soother use when the time is right.
Will thumb sucking cause permanent damage?
Not always. Many changes improve once the habit stops, especially if it stops before adult teeth are fully in. Persistent habits may contribute to bite problems that need orthodontic treatment. The dentist will monitor development.
Should I use bitter nail polish to stop thumb sucking?
Some parents try products like this, but positive encouragement and understanding triggers often work better. If you are considering a product, ask the dentist or your physician for advice suitable for your child’s age and skin.
Does mouth breathing affect teeth?
Chronic mouth breathing may influence jaw development and is sometimes related to nasal congestion or enlarged tonsils. Mention it to the dentist and your physician, who can assess possible causes and suggest next steps together.
Guidance for growing smiles
Children’s Dentistry →Early Orthodontic Assessments →
An early look at a child’s bite can spot crowding or jaw concerns during growth. Nixon parents can learn about timing, what is checked and possible next steps.
Pediatric Treatment Education →
Children cope better when they understand what will happen. Nixon parents can learn how dental treatment is explained to kids and how to reinforce it at home.