Ask your parents about any thumb sucking behavior they’ve noticed in their child. Ask them if they are seeking to prevent this behavior.

If the answer to either of these questions is no, then now is the time to discuss potential damage associated with continued thumb sucking – airway dysfunction, narrowing of the maxilla, increased facial height, and behavioral issues arising from lack of restful sleep.

An important part of the advice you give to parents of thumb sucking patients just might include the Blue Grass Appliance – a counter-conditioning device which prevents sucking and promotes proper mixed dentition development by encouraging the tongue to rest up on the palate, rather than exert labial force against the lower anteriors.

The Blue Grass Appliance is available from SML.