Certain childhood habits, such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, can interfere with healthy oral development if they persist beyond early years. At Tye Family Dentistry, we offer habit breaking treatments in Macomb, Michigan, designed to gently correct these behaviors and support the proper growth of your child’s teeth and jaw. With early intervention, we can help guide children toward healthier habits and long-term dental wellness.
While many oral habits are natural during infancy and toddler years, they can lead to problems when continued past age four or five. These may include misaligned teeth, speech issues or changes in bite alignment. Dr. Eric Tye , Dr. David Kolakowski and Dr. Tia VanSuilichem are experienced in identifying when a habit is becoming harmful and providing supportive solutions tailored to your child’s needs.
Common Oral Habits and Their Effects
Some of the most common habits addressed through treatment include:
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Tongue thrusting
- Lip sucking or biting
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Nail biting or cheek chewing
When left unaddressed, these behaviors may affect tooth position, jaw development and the success of future orthodontic treatment. Habit breaking treatment helps interrupt these patterns and encourages proper oral function.
Benefits of habit breaking treatment include:
- Supports normal jaw and tooth development
- Prevents long-term orthodontic complications
- Encourages self-awareness and behavioral change
- Improves oral function and alignment
- Promotes positive dental routines and self-esteem
Supportive Solutions with a Gentle Approach
At Tye Family Dentistry, our team provides habit breaking treatment in Macomb, Michigan, with compassion and understanding. We use child-friendly education, positive reinforcement and, when needed, custom appliances to help gently discourage unwanted behaviors.
We work closely with families to develop personalized treatment plans that consider each child’s age, needs and emotional comfort. If your child is showing signs of prolonged oral habits, early guidance can make a meaningful difference. Call 586-412-3690 today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about how habit breaking treatment can help support your child’s healthy smile.