28/09/2026
A children’s check-up is about much more than counting teeth. We’re watching a face and jaw that are still growing, and some of the most useful information comes from what parents notice at home. Three habits are worth mentioning at your child’s next visit.
Thumb or dummy sucking is common and usually harmless in younger children. When it continues past the age of 4 or 5, the steady pressure can start to shape the developing bite, narrowing the upper jaw or leaving a gap between the front teeth. Picking this up early gives us more options and makes it easier to correct.
Snoring should not be dismissed as a quirk. In children it can point to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a habit of breathing through the mouth, and both can affect sleep quality and how the jaws develop. We look at the airway, the palate and the position of the tongue, and we’ll refer on if something needs a closer look.
Grinding at night is something many children do, and many grow out of it. It is still worth telling us, because we can check for wear on the enamel and look for anything that might be driving it, including disrupted sleep.
None of these habits mean something is wrong. They are simply part of the picture, and the more of that picture we have, the better we can support your child’s development. What have you noticed at home that you’ve never thought to mention?
