Habit Counseling

Supporting Healthy Smiles for Life

At Smiles Elevated, we understand that certain habits—especially in children—can impact oral health and overall development. Our habit counseling services provide guidance, support, and personalized strategies to help break harmful oral habits and promote a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What Is Habit Counseling?

Habit counseling focuses on identifying and addressing behaviors that may affect dental health, jaw development, or speech patterns. These habits, if left unchecked, can lead to issues such as misaligned teeth, improper bite development, or difficulty with oral function.

Common Habits We Address

Thumb & Finger Sucking – Prolonged sucking habits can affect tooth alignment and jaw growth.

Pacifier Use – Extended use may contribute to bite issues and improper oral development.

Tongue Thrusting – Can lead to open bites, speech difficulties, and orthodontic concerns.

Mouth Breathing – Often linked to narrow arches, dry mouth, and potential orthodontic issues.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – May cause tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and headaches.

Nail Biting & Cheek/Lip Biting – Can damage teeth and soft tissues over time

How Habit Counseling Helps

Early Intervention – Identifies problem habits before they lead to significant dental issues.

Personalized Strategies – We tailor recommendations and techniques to suit each patient’s needs.

Positive Reinforcement – Encouraging methods to help children and adults break habits at their own pace.

Oral Appliance Therapy – In some cases, a custom appliance may be recommended to assist in stopping harmful habits.

Parental Guidance & Support – We provide parents with the tools and knowledge to help their child succeed.

When to Seek Habit Counseling

If a habit persists beyond the normal developmental stage (typically age 3-4 for thumb sucking or pacifier use), or if you notice changes in your child’s bite, speech, or breathing, it may be time to seek professional guidance.

Encouraging Healthy Oral Habits for a Lifetime

Breaking a habit takes time, patience, and the right support. We’re here to help with compassionate, effective habit counseling designed to set you or your child up for long-term dental health.

Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.