Thumb sucking, pacifier use, nail biting, and other oral habits are common during childhood. Many disappear naturally as children grow, but habits that continue for too long or occur frequently can begin to influence developing teeth, jaw growth, and the way the bite comes together.
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Pediatric oral habits are repetitive behaviors involving the mouth, teeth, tongue, lips, or jaw. Thumb and finger sucking and pacifier use are normal soothing behaviors for babies and young children, and many children stop these habits naturally.
Concerns may develop when a habit continues frequently as permanent teeth begin to develop or erupt. The effect depends on how often the habit occurs, how long it lasts, and how much pressure it places on the teeth and surrounding structures.
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Dr. Jenny Citineni is a board-certified pediatric dentist with a passion for creating positive dental experiences for children. Originally from Hyderabad, India, she earned her dental degree from UNC School of Dentistry and later served as Dental Director of a Children’s Health Department Dental Clinic in North Carolina.
Recognized for her dedication and achievements, Dr. Jenny is committed to making every child feel comfortable, valued, and excited about their dental health journey.
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Emilee Hrtyanski was born and raised in West Virginia, and earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Texas A&M, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
She is board-certified with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry.
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Haley Willis is a board-certified pediatric dentist originally from Chase City, Virginia. She earned her dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and completed her pediatric dental residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
Dr. Haley is passionate about creating positive dental experiences for children and providing personalized, compassionate care for every patient. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring local parks, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Pediatric Dentist
Meet Kids Favourite Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Jenny Citineni is a board certified pediatric dentist and originally from Hyderabad, India. She has spent most of her life in Durham attending Githens Middle, Riverside High, and NC School of Science and Math. She found her passion for dentistry after she graduated UNC-Chapel Hill. As an AmeriCorps Public Ally, she met a dentist who introduced her to the different aspects of the field, and she quickly found a passion for the art, results, and positive patients - especially the kids! Within 6 months of meeting the dentist, she was accepted into UNC School of Dentistry.
After earning her dental degree, she became the Dental Director of a Children's Health Department Dental Clinic in Lexington, NC. Dr. Jenny is a recognized, sought-after pediatric dentist. Her accomplishments and awards speak to her drive, ambition, and passion for delivering quality care:
She treats every child like a star, and makes each patient feel comfortable and excited about their dental health journey. She has two little stars of her own, Ava and Ella with her husband, Tommy Thekkekandam. Tommy and Dr. Jenny have a passion project of making delicious tasty treats that are sugar free for everyone to enjoy! They love to bake, eat, hike, swim and explore the world!
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Meet Kids Favourite Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Emilee Hrtyanski was born and raised in West Virginia, and earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Texas A&M, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She is board-certified with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry.
In Dr. Emilee's free time, she loves traveling with her fiancé, spoiling her puppy, practicing yoga, and cheering on her beloved Mountaineers.
Meet Kids Favourite Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Haley Willis is a board-certified pediatric dentist from Chase City, VA, a small town in southern Virginia. She received her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She completed her pediatric dental residency in Detroit, Michigan at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. She is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society, and Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Haley and her husband, Anthony, have two daughters, Sophia and Georgia, and a baby boy on the way.
They are so excited to call North Carolina home and explore all this wonderful state has to offer. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending gymnastics and dance recitals, exploring local parks and trails, and watching their favorite sports teams!
Dr. Haley is honored to treat the wonderful families of Durham and the surrounding areas. She truly enjoys her daily interactions with her patients and sees each day at the office as a new adventure.
She treasures each child as an individual with their own unique needs and cannot wait to meet y’all soon!
Breaking an oral habit can be challenging for both children and parents. At Smile First Dental, our approach focuses on encouragement rather than criticism or punishment. Our board-certified pediatric dentists understand child development and use positive reinforcement to help children become active participants in changing their habits.
Our Durham team has helped many children overcome thumb sucking, pacifier use, nail biting, and other habits. We evaluate whether the habit is actually affecting your child’s teeth or bite before recommending intervention, giving parents practical guidance without unnecessary treatment.
Addressing prolonged sucking habits can help reduce unwanted pressure on developing teeth and support healthier bite development as your child grows.
Stopping harmful habits at the right time may help prevent changes in tooth position, including excessive spacing, protruding front teeth, or an open bite.
Positive reinforcement helps children become involved in changing their own habits and encourages healthier oral behaviors without criticism or punishment.
Early evaluation can identify developing bite changes and may reduce the chance that prolonged oral habits contribute to more complex orthodontic concerns later.
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We discuss your child’s habit, including how long it has continued, how often it occurs, and when your child is most likely to do it.
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Our pediatric dentist examines your child’s teeth, developing jaws, and bite to determine whether the habit is affecting normal dental development.
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We recommend age-appropriate strategies such as positive reinforcement, gentle reminders, reducing triggers, or gradual habit reduction based on your child’s needs.
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We monitor your child’s progress during follow-up visits and evaluate whether their teeth and bite are developing normally as the habit decreases.
My toddler had a great first visit! Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable and made my daughters first ever dental visit a pleasant one! This will definitely be our dental home moving forward!
Herison
This is a wonderful group of people. Some of the same employees took care of my teeth as I was growing up and it’s great to have many of the same ones help clean and keep my daughters teeth in great shape! I love Smile First and trust them with my daughter’s smile!!
Sara h
Thumb and finger sucking are common in babies and young children. However, persistent sucking beyond about age three should be discussed with a pediatric dentist so your child’s developing teeth and bite can be evaluated.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends helping children discontinue non-nutritive sucking habits by around 36 months of age. Earlier guidance may be appropriate if prolonged pacifier use begins affecting dental development.
No. Positive reinforcement and gentle reminders are generally more helpful than criticism or punishment. Understanding when and why your child sucks their thumb can also help you find alternative ways to provide comfort.
Yes. Frequent and prolonged thumb sucking can place repeated pressure on developing teeth. It may contribute to changes such as protruding front teeth, increased overjet, an open bite, or changes in the dental arches.
Some developing tooth and bite changes may improve after the habit stops, particularly when it is addressed early. More significant changes should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist to determine whether additional treatment may be needed.
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Smile First Dental helps children overcome thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, nail biting, and other oral habits at our pediatric dental office on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard in Durham, NC. Our team evaluates how each habit may be affecting your child’s teeth, bite, and developing smile before recommending a personalized approach.
We proudly care for families from Durham, Chapel Hill, Morrisville, Hillsborough, Roxboro, Bahama, Oxford, Raleigh, and surrounding North Carolina communities. If you are concerned about an oral habit, schedule a visit so our pediatric dentists can evaluate your child’s smile and help you determine the next step.
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