Pediatric Dentist in Decatur

Thumb-sucking is a natural comfort habit for young children, but it can negatively affect teeth alignment if it continues past early childhood. We recognize that stopping your child from sucking their thumb can be challenging, but our dentists, Dr. Meyer and Dr. Clough, are here to provide the professional, compassionate guidance you need.

We’re here to partner with your family, creating a personalized plan for your child to reduce thumb-sucking over time, which may include alternative soothing methods. Helping your child transition their habits early prevents potential dental issues, setting the stage for healthy permanent teeth and helping their jaw develop.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Decatur before your child’s 4th birthday. These early visits allow Dr. Meyer and Dr. Clough to help your child establish healthy oral hygiene habits and catch potential dental issues early. Plus, we take extra steps to ensure that these visits are stress-free, introducing children to the dentist’s office in a positive way. Starting these visits early not only empowers children to build confidence and familiarity with dental care—reducing anxiety—but also empowers them to develop healthy habits.

During a pediatric dental appointment, we start by helping your child feel at ease and comfortable in our office. Then, we’ll review your child’s medical and dental history, take X-rays if necessary, and perform a gentle exam. We may perform treatments such as cleanings, sealants, or fillings, depending on your child’s needs, always using numbing as needed to keep their experience positive.

Dr. Meyer and Dr. Clough use child-friendly techniques and explain what they’re doing—and why—to help your child feel involved and relaxed. We not only educate parents on how to help their children, but also educate children themselves on how to take care of their teeth.

At Greater Decatur Dental, we’ve created a welcoming environment filled with an expert team to offer your child emotional support and ongoing education through every stage of life. Dr. Meyer and Dr. Clough are dedicated to making every visit positive, so they explain things in a way that kids understand and care about to keep them involved in their care.

Parents can help by talking positively about the dentist, reading stories about dental visits, and encouraging good oral hygiene habits at home. Practicing those habits together and praising your child for their efforts help instill those habits for life. Together, we can make dental care a rewarding experience for your child!