Phone: 910-778-8485 fax: 910-436-8485

2980 Ray Road Spring Lake NC 28390 Near Overhills Schools

Vincent Vissichelli, DMD

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Specializing in the treatment of infants, children, teens and special needs patients.

Patient Forms

Finger sucking/ thumb sucking

Does your child suck his or her thumb?

In babies and young children, thumbsucking is a normal, soothing reflex. As the permanent teeth come in, however, continued thumbsucking can cause improper growth of the mouth and tooth misalignment.

– Children should stop thumbsucking by the time the permanent teeth come in, usually around six or seven years of age.
– You can try changing your child’s habit by offering praise and rewards for not sucking the thumb. If this does not help, consult with your dentist.

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