As a parent, you've probably noticed your child engaging in some common oral habits—sucking their thumb for comfort, pushing their tongue against their teeth when swallowing, or grinding their teeth while they sleep. These behaviors are incredibly common in young children, and most of the time, they're completely normal. But when do these habits cross the line from harmless to harmful? And when should you step in?

Understanding the difference between a temporary phase and a habit that could affect your child's dental development is key. Here's what every parent should know about thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and tooth grinding—and when it's time to talk to a pediatric dentist.

Thumb-Sucking: A Natural Comfort That Can Become a Concern

Thumb-sucking is one of the earliest self-soothing behaviors babies develop. Many infants begin sucking their thumbs in the womb, and for young children, it provides comfort during stressful moments, bedtime, or times of boredom. In most cases, children naturally outgrow the habit between ages two and four.

However, if thumb-sucking continues past age four—especially once permanent teeth begin to emerge—it can start to affect your child's oral development. Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to an open bite, where the front teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed, misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, changes to the roof of the mouth, and speech difficulties such as lisping.

The intensity of the habit matters too. A child who passively rests their thumb in their mouth is less likely to experience problems than one who vigorously sucks.

Concerned about your child's thumb-sucking habit? Contact AOMS Pediatric Dentistry or call (806) 410-1919 to schedule an evaluation.

Tongue Thrusting: The Hidden Habit

Tongue thrusting—also called an "immature swallow pattern"—occurs when a child pushes their tongue forward against their teeth while swallowing, speaking, or at rest. Like thumb-sucking, this is normal in infants. As children grow, they typically develop a mature swallowing pattern where the tongue presses against the roof of the mouth instead.

When tongue thrusting persists beyond early childhood, it can exert constant pressure on the teeth. Over time, this can cause the front teeth to protrude or flare outward, an open bite to develop, spacing issues between teeth, and difficulty with certain speech sounds.

Tongue thrusting often goes unnoticed because it happens automatically. Parents may only become aware of it when a dentist or orthodontist identifies the pattern during an exam. In some cases, tongue thrusting is linked to other factors such as prolonged bottle feeding or pacifier use, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies or chronic nasal congestion, or thumb-sucking.

If your child has a tongue thrust, our team can work with you to identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include myofunctional therapy exercises to retrain the tongue.

Tooth Grinding: More Common Than You Think

Bruxism—the medical term for grinding or clenching teeth—is surprisingly common in children. Studies suggest that anywhere from 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth at some point, most often during sleep. Many parents first notice it as a loud grinding sound coming from their child's room at night.

In young children, bruxism is often related to the teeth and jaws developing and finding their natural alignment. Other potential causes include stress or anxiety, hyperactivity, certain medications, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, and misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite.

The good news is that most children outgrow bruxism without any lasting effects. However, if grinding continues frequently or intensely, it can lead to worn tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw pain or headaches, and damage to dental restorations.

Is your child grinding their teeth? Our pediatric dentists can help. Schedule an appointment or call (806) 410-1919 today.

When Should You Intervene?

Every child is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all timeline for when these habits become problematic. However, here are some general guidelines.

For thumb-sucking, if the habit continues past age four or once permanent teeth start coming in, it's time to take action. Positive reinforcement, gentle reminders, and addressing any underlying anxiety often work well. In some cases, a pediatric dentist may recommend a habit-breaking appliance.

For tongue thrusting, early intervention is important once the habit is identified. Myofunctional therapy—a series of exercises designed to retrain the muscles of the tongue and face—is often effective, especially when started before orthodontic treatment.

For tooth grinding, if your child is experiencing symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, or visible tooth wear, a dental evaluation is important. Treatment may include addressing underlying causes like stress or sleep issues, and in some cases, a custom night guard to protect the teeth.

How AOMS Pediatric Dentistry Can Help

At AOMS Pediatric & Children's Dentistry, our team of pediatric dental specialists understands that childhood habits are a normal part of development—but we also know when intervention can make a meaningful difference. Dr. Lorra Lindsey, Dr. Kristin Swanson, Dr. Semantha Charles, Dr. Leslee Huggins, and our entire team are trained to evaluate your child's oral development, identify habits that may be affecting their teeth, and recommend gentle, effective strategies for intervention.

We believe in partnering with parents to create positive experiences that set children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Whether you're concerned about a specific habit or just want peace of mind, we're here to help.

Ready to talk about your child's oral habits? Contact our Amarillo office or call (806) 410-1919 to schedule a consultation with our pediatric dental team.

The Bottom Line

Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and tooth grinding are all common in childhood—and in most cases, they resolve on their own without any lasting effects. But when these habits persist or begin to affect your child's dental development, early intervention can prevent more significant issues down the road.

If you have questions or concerns about your child's oral habits, don't hesitate to reach out. Our pediatric dental experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

Request an appointment online or call AOMS Pediatric & Children's Dentistry at (806) 410-1919 today. We look forward to caring for your child's smile!