Thumb, finger or pacifier sucking is a common habit among babies and young children, says Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. David Snodgrass, but it typically fades away before a child is 4 years old. The Franklin pediatric dentist practicing at Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates says that some children, however, prolong their sucking habit beyond these years. In such cases, notes the Franklin pediatric dentist, upper front teeth may not come in properly. When the upper front teeth do come in, continues the Franklin pediatric dentist, they are likely to be angled toward the lips rather than coming in straight.
Additionally, if a child sucks the thumb for many years, says the Franklin pediatric dentist, the child’s bite and the growth of the child’s jaw can be impacted, leading to overbites or poorly supported permanent teeth. Dr. Snodgrass says that regular visits to his Franklin pediatric dentist office will help prevent such conditions from developing. When visiting the Franklin office of Snodgrass-King, experienced pediatric dentists will carefully surveys your child’s emerging teeth and note how the jaw is developing. If persistent sucking habits point to problems down the line, the Franklin pediatric dentists may recommend interruption techniques around the child’s third or fourth birthday. Most sucking habits stop on their own, points out Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. David Snodgrass. But some children are more likely to stop if prompted by their parents or one of the pediatric dentists at Franklin’s Snodgrass-King.
Furthermore, pacifier habits are not safer for teeth than finger or thumb sucking, explains the Franklin pediatric dentist, although pacifier habits are generally easier to break than finger or thumb sucking habits. When a child becomes old enough to understand the consequences of a sucking habit, the dentists at Franklin’s premier pediatric practice can often effectively discourage the habit. Some kids of course are more tenacious than others, notes the Franklin pediatric dentist, and may require parental monitoring or a mouth appliance to wean them from a sucking habit. Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. Snodgrass also notes that it can be challenging to stop a stubborn thumb sucking habit because a child always has a finger or thumb at their disposal. However, says the Franklin pediatric dentist, finger, thumb or pacifier sucking habits are natural and tend to go away on their own.
If your child’s sucking habit goes on past their third birthday, visit your Franklin pediatric dentist to learn more about what can be done. If a child is still sucking his or her fingers or thumbs by the time the permanent teeth arrive, Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. Snodgrass says it is likely that he or she will need corrective work for either the teeth or jaw.
Visit Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates in Franklin (Cool Springs) at:
125 Cool Springs Blvd.
Suite 140
(in the Aspen Grove Medical Plaza)
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 771-1111
Franklin pediatric dentists are available by appointment Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 5:00pm and Friday from 8:00am – 12:00pm.
About Snodgrass-King Franklin Pediatric Dentist
With nearly 100 years of combined dental experience, the staff and pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates in Franklin serve middle Tennessee with one goal in mind – excellence. Founded by Franklin pediatric dentists Dr. David Snodgrass and Dr. John T. King, Snodgrass-King provides excellence in service, experience and convenience.
Franklin’s Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates offers an excellent atmosphere for a first time visitor to the pediatric dentist’s chair. When stepping into the Franklin office of Snodgrass-King a child instantly experiences something above and beyond the typical pediatric dentist’s office. From the ability to watch movies during teeth cleanings to the video games to the possibility of meeting Chomp the alligator mascot, Snodgrass-King of Franklin offers something unique for children visiting one of their pediatric dentists. Additionally, the Snodgrass-King Franklin pediatric dental staff shines with their excellent experience and education.
Franklin pediatric dentist co-founder David Snodgrass has published numerous articles in several orthodontic and pediatric journals. In addition, the Franklin dentist serves as a part-time clinical professor at Vanderbilt University working with future pediatric dentists. As a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, and the International Association of Orthodontics, Dr. Snodgrass is a recognized lecturer. He also enjoys mentoring other pediatric dentists from Franklin and participating in study clubs in the Southeastern United States.
Co-founder Dr. John T. King, a Franklin native, loves his work with fellow pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. King is Diplomat Board Certification with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Working with the founding pediatric dentists in the Franklin and surrounding areas are Dr. Bryan Burnside and Dr. Jennifer House. Dr. Burnside, prior to joining the Franklin pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King, completed his training at Boston University Medical Center. He is a member of American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Nashville Dental Society, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. House also graduated from Boston University Medical Center before coming to work with the pediatric dentists at Franklin’s Snodgrass-King. Her memberships include American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Tennessee Dental Association and the Nashville Dental Society.
However, the pediatric dentists at Franklin-based Snodgrass-King view their skills as having value beyond just fixing teeth. Dr. David Snodgrass and Dr. John King, along with other Franklin pediatric dentists, have volunteered their expertise in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Franklin pediatric dentists have also donated used dental equipment to clinics in the region. In fact, staff from Snodgrass-King have volunteered their time and services to Haiti since 2007. During a recent trip, the Franklin pediatric dentists helped over 300 patients. From Franklin to the far reaches of Haiti, the pediatric dentists of Snodgrass-King are committed to serve with excellence.
The highly skilled pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King of Franklin provide orthodontic, pediatric, general and specialty dental work. The Franklin based pediatric dentists also perform general and cosmetic works along with oral and maxillofacial specialties. The website of Snodgrass-King (www.SnodgrassKing.com) provides many resources for families from their first visit to the dentist office to safety tips and general oral health. The Franklin based pediatric dentists of Snodgrass-King also have offices in Cool Springs, Spring Hill, Hermitage, and Murfreesboro.
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