Rainsville Pediatric Dental Village, LLC

Specializing in children, adolescents, and patients with special needs.

371 McCurdy Ave South
Rainsville, AL 35986
256-638-3000

Digit Sucking

Digit sucking is a habit that occurs in infants. If the child continues past around age 2 or 3, it may affect the placement of their teeth and bone structure. Their dentist will tell you when your child needs to break the digit sucking or pacifier habit. Stopping these habits in an effective manner may help their permanent teeth’s eruption and prevent the roof of their mouth from developing a malformation. A malformation is a result of the frequency, duration, intensity, and position of the digit in the child’s mouth. This can also affect the position of the upper and lower jaw and affect speech.

Suggestions to break the habit:

Instruct your child when they are calm and not stressed.
Motivate your child (show examples of what could happen to their teeth and fingers/thumbs).
Use a reward system (small incentives will encourage your child to stick with it) including sticker calendars.

Rainsville Pediatric Dental Village, LLC

Pediatric Dentistry

Tooth Brushing Digit Sucking Tooth Eruption Early Childhood Tooth Decay Cavity Prevention Gum Disease Adolescence and Oral Care Fillings / Restorations Dental Sealants Tooth Extractions Bonding

Gum Disease

Make your gums healthy

While many people believe periodontal disease is an adult problem, studies indicate that gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease) is nearly a universal problem among children and adolescents. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are more rare in children than adults, but can occur. Chronic gingivitis is common in children. It can cause gum tissue to swell, turn red, and bleed easily. Gingivitis is preventable and treatable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing, and professional dental care. If left untreated, it can eventually advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.