What to look for
- Front teeth not touching when biting
- Upper front teeth flaring outward
- Crossbite or speech lisp emerging
First steps
- Limit to sleep‑only; begin a weaning plan.
- Schedule a dental exam to document changes and create a timeline.
When appliances help
For older children who can’t stop with home methods, your dentist may suggest a habit appliance to gently interrupt the sucking pattern.
FAQs
- Does an appliance hurt? Most kids adapt quickly; your dentist explains care and follow‑up.
- How long until we see change? It varies—stopping the habit is the key first step.
