Jacksonville Dentist
We understand that trying to find a nearby dentist you can trust is difficult, that is why we make it easy for you to work with us.
We Speak Spanish, Albanian, Vietnamese (904) 733-3391
Concerns for Growing Children
Pacifier Use and Thumb-Sucking Help
Thumb-sucking is a natural comfort for children, often starting as early as in the womb. Around 75%-95% of infants suck their thumb or fingers, but excessive or prolonged sucking can affect oral health.
List of Services
-
What to Watch ForList Item 1
While thumb-sucking is normal for infants, most children stop on their own by age 2. If your child continues sucking past preschool, especially after permanent teeth begin to erupt, it may be time to intervene.
-
Consequences of Thumb Sucking
Passive thumb-sucking generally doesn't cause issues, but aggressive sucking can impact tooth alignment and mouth growth, leading to crooked teeth, improper bites, and jaw misalignment.
-
How to Help Your Child Quit
Be supportive and positive. Avoid punishment and instead praise your child when they don't suck their thumb. Explain the potential consequences to their teeth and encourage their efforts to stop.
If your child sucks their thumb due to anxiety, address the anxiety first. Consider using distractions or techniques like covering their hand at night (e.g., with a sock or band-aid). If you’re concerned about your child’s thumb-sucking affecting their oral health, feel free to contact us for advice.
List of Services
Frenectomy | Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
A tongue-tie is a condition that restricts your child’s tongue movement, while a lip-tie limits the upper lip’s mobility. Both can affect eating, speaking, and overall health. If untreated, a lip-tie can also impact the growth of your child’s teeth. These conditions are often treated with a frenectomy.
Children with tongue-tie or lip-tie may have difficulty eating, speaking, or sleeping. Symptoms can include slow eating, choking, difficulty staying asleep, or nighttime teeth grinding. Infants may struggle with nursing, leak milk, or experience gas and colic.
If your child shows signs of a tongue-tie or lip-tie, we will examine their mouth to identify the cause. Treatment typically involves a quick, precise procedure using a dental laser to release the tongue or lip, often without the need for sedation. Post-treatment, your child may need exercises to help retrain their tongue or lip. With time, most children adjust and experience normal eating, speaking, and sleeping.