Ask Drs. Ryan and Keel: When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

Lots of you have asked us Drs. Ryan and Keel whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this anything to worry about? In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look and visit Grin Pediatric Dentistry. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Meet Dr. Keel

Dr. Courtney Keel, a board Certified Pediatric Dentist, was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She then attended dental school at Baylor College of Dentistry, receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2006.

Following dental school, Dr. Keel pursued her pediatric specialty training at Baylor College of Dentistry, where she received her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry after completing a two year residency. She began seeing patients in July 2008. During her post-graduate training, she also had the opportunity to spend extensive time working at Children's medical Center and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. Dr. Keel is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Greater Dallas Pediatric Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association.

In her free time, Dr. Keel enjoys running, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. She feels blessed to be in such a wonderful profession and to have the opportunity to help touch the lives of children everyday!

Ask Dr. Ryan: When should my child visit Grin Pediatric Dentistry?

A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive, say Drs. Ryan and Keel. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. And that's precisely why the team at Grin Pediatric Dentistry makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment. We want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.

For more information on the advantages of pediatric dentistry at our office, please visit our web site. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and have a great rest of the week!

Meet Dr. Ryan

A native Texan, Dr. Patrick Ryan became interested in dentistry in college while working with children as a dental assistant. After attending Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas for his four years of dental training, he completed two additional years of pediatric dental training at Baylor, where he was a Chief Resident at Children's Hospital and Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. In 1998, Dr. Ryan began practicing at Grin Pediatric Dentistry with one goal: to treat patients and their parents as he would like to be treated.

Dr. Ryan and wife, Kristin, have four wonderful children: Whitney, Hannah, Grant and Will. When not working he spends most of his time with his family, playing and coaching sports, and traveling. He also enjoys reading.