Thumb sucking is completely normal for young children and babies. It gives them needed security. Babies begin to suck on their fingers and thumbs even before they are born. Most children stop sucking on their thumbs and pacifiers between the ages of two and four. However, some children continue to use a pacifier or finger over longer periods of time which may cause the upper front teeth to tip forward and cause an open bite, or gap between the upper and lower front teeth. If your child has to use a pacifier, we recommend the NUK brand since it conforms to the oral cavity the best. Most children stop their habit on their own but others may need the help of their parents to stop. For most children, there is no reason to worry about a sucking habit until the front permanent teeth start coming in at age 6.

We monitor changes in your child's bite, or occlusion, at each cleaning and check-up and will be glad to talk to your child about any sucking habits. However, we need the parents' reinforcement in stopping this behavior. Positive rewards help the best and we tend to discourage any form of punishment, since there is usually an emotional need to continue sucking after age four. Usually if the child is motivated to stop the habit after a two week period, they will continue to give it up. We recommend a special reward the child really wants, such as a certain toy or other gift. Older treatments such as wrapping the thumb or oral appliances have proven over time not to be effective. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask Dr. MacKnight.

Smoking has been known to worsen gum disease as well as being linked to heart disease, cancer and lung disease. Recent research from the University of Rochester School of Medicine has shown that second hand or "passive" smoke can cause a higher rate of tooth decay in children who live in the same house as smokers. Children, ages four to eleven, were monitored for nicotine levels in their blood and cavity rate. It was found that children living in a smoking household environment had a significant increase in tooth decay over those living in a smoke free environment. This alarming fact is another reason to give up smoking and not smoke around other family members.

Other research has found that the bacteria which causes gum disease exists in larger numbers in smokers than in non-smokers. People who smoke as little as five of more packs

a year

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

According to research from the Academy of General Dentistry, every dollar that you spend in dental check-ups, saves you up to $50 in emergency treatment. Check-ups really save you money in the end.

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