
As a Naperville dentist for kids, a lot of parents seek us out because they’re worried about their child using a pacifier or sucking their thumb. These habits are completely normal in infants and sucking is a natural instinct. In fact, some babies even suck their fingers and thumbs in the womb! However, when oral habits, including thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, continue past the first few years of life, severe malocclusion (an improper bite) can occur. For kiddos who have a really difficult time kicking the habit, when all else fails, habit-breaking appliances may be indicated.