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Habit Therapy for Kids in
Bothell, WA
At Hello Kids Dentistry in Bothell, WA, we offer supportive, personalized habit therapy to help children gently break thumb, finger, and pacifier habits that can affect oral development. Our goal is to guide your child with compassion - not pressure - while protecting their growing smile.
What Is Habit Therapy?
Habit therapy focuses on helping children stop prolonged thumb sucking, finger sucking, or pacifier use before it impacts their oral health. While these habits are completely normal in babies and toddlers, they can start to affect the teeth, bite, and jaw alignment if they continue beyond early childhood.
The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that most children naturally stop thumb or finger sucking between ages 2 and 4. But if the habit persists, especially as adult teeth begin to come in, gentle intervention may be helpful.
What Is Habit Therapy?
Habit therapy focuses on helping children stop prolonged thumb sucking, finger sucking, or pacifier use before it impacts their oral health. While these habits are completely normal in babies and toddlers, they can start to affect the teeth, bite, and jaw alignment if they continue beyond early childhood.
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The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that most children naturally stop thumb or finger sucking between ages 2 and 4. But if the habit persists, especially as adult teeth begin to come in, gentle intervention may be helpful.
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When Should I Be Concerned About Thumb or Finger Sucking?
You may want to consider habit therapy if your child:
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Continues thumb or finger sucking past age 4
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Sucks with intensity (causing noticeable pressure on teeth or mouth)
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Is beginning to show signs of changes in their bite or jaw alignment
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Has speech development concerns related to oral habits
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Is entering preschool or school and struggling to stop on their own
At Hello Kids Dentistry, we never shame or scold. Instead, we offer encouragement, education, and personalized tools to help your child feel proud and motivated to break the habit.
What to Expect During a Habit Therapy Visit
Our goal is to make your child feel safe, seen, and supported. During your child’s habit therapy appointment, we’ll:
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Evaluate the Habit’s Impact: Assess your child’s bite, teeth, and jaw development
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Discuss Motivation & Triggers: Help your child understand why breaking the habit is important
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Offer Positive Strategies: From reward charts to gentle reminders, we’ll suggest age-appropriate solutions
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Consider a Habit Appliance: In some cases, a small, custom appliance may be recommended to discourage the behavior
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Support Parents Every Step: You’ll leave with a clear plan and resources for at-home success
We believe small, positive steps lead to big progress, and we’re here to celebrate every milestone with you.
​Growing Smiles, Growing Habits
Habit therapy isn’t just about stopping thumb or finger sucking, it’s about helping your child grow into healthy habits with encouragement and confidence.
At Hello Kids Dentistry, we’re honored to support families through every stage of their child’s dental journey.
We proudly provide habit therapy and pediatric dental care to families in Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, and Kirkland.