As parents, we want the very best for our children, including healthy smiles that last a lifetime. But sometimes, habits like thumb-sucking, teeth grinding, or even prolonged pacifier use can impact your child’s growing teeth and jaw.
While these behaviors are often developmentally normal at certain ages, knowing when and how to gently intervene can make all the difference. At Truckee Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Matthew Gustafsson (Dr. G) and our caring team are here to help families in Truckee, CA navigate these concerns with compassion, knowledge, and solutions tailored specifically to your child’s needs.
Thumb-sucking and pacifiers can be a comfort tool for infants and toddlers. In fact, many children naturally outgrow these habits as they develop other coping mechanisms.
However, if these habits persist beyond the age of 3 or 4, they can start to affect the alignment of teeth and the shape of the mouth. Signs that thumb-sucking or pacifier use may be affecting dental development include:
Dr. G takes a gentle and encouraging approach to helping children move past these habits, offering positive reinforcement techniques and, if needed, creative dental solutions that make progress feel fun and achievable.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is another common issue in children, especially during sleep. While many kids outgrow this habit, ongoing grinding can wear down tooth enamel, cause jaw discomfort, or lead to headaches. Symptoms of bruxism in children can include:
At Truckee Pediatric Dentistry, we might recommend a custom mouthguard for nighttime use or explore possible causes like stress or misaligned bites. We can address any dental issues related to grinding with minimal discomfort and maximum ease for your child.
Some less obvious oral habits can also impact your child’s dental health. While these behaviors might seem harmless, they can affect your child’s bite, lead to chipped teeth, or introduce bacteria into the mouth. These habits include:
Our team takes time to talk with children about these behaviors in a calm, supportive environment. As your child’s dental home, we partner with you to build trust and encourage better habits over time, often using kid-friendly education and reward systems that align with your child’s needs and personality.
You're not alone when it comes to helping your child develop healthier dental habits. In fact, your encouragement and support at home are a powerful part of the process. Here are a few actionable tips to support your child’s oral development:
Dr. G and the Truckee Pediatric Dentistry team go above and beyond to make every appointment encouraging and informative, so both parents and children leave feeling confident in their smile journey.
Whether your child is dealing with thumb-sucking, teeth grinding, or any other habit affecting their smile, our friendly team at Truckee Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Call (530) 550-9311 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Gustafsson. We're proud to support families in Truckee, CA and beyond with personalized, stress-free care in a fun, welcoming environment designed just for kids.
