The habit itself
Your description helps as much as the exam, because the dentist can’t see what happens at bedtime.
- When and how often it happens.
- Thumb, fingers, soother or something else.
- Whether it has been changing lately.
Thumbs, soothers and growing bites
Pediatric Dentistry for Mandalay West Residents
Is that habit something to worry about, or just a phase? At our McPhillips Street clinic, the dentist can check how your child’s teeth and bite are developing and talk it over.
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For parents watching a habit
Oral Habits and Bite Development for Mandalay West Kids
Everyone seems to have an opinion about thumb sucking and soothers, and the advice you receive from relatives may not agree with what you read online. What you really want is someone to look at your own child’s mouth.
Mandalay West is in Winnipeg, and children from there are welcome at our clinic on McPhillips Street. Monitoring a developing bite is part of children’s dental care, and habits are among the things we ask parents to tell us about ahead of an appointment.
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Your child’s own bite
An assessment looks at how this particular mouth is coming along.
No shaming
Comfort habits are common. Your child won’t be scolded for having one.
Watching over time
Repeat visits let the dentist see how teeth and bite change as your child grows.
What gets looked at
Separating a passing habit from a real concern.
A single look gives a snapshot, while regular monitoring shows direction. Both have a place when a parent is unsure whether a habit matters.
The growing mouth
As far as your child will allow, the exam covers how the teeth are coming in and meeting.
- Development of the bite.
- New permanent teeth as they arrive.
- Teeth and gums overall.
Should X-rays or other preventive care seem appropriate, they would be based on age and individual risk, and you’d hear why.
Handled with tact
A check-in that respects a sensitive subject.
Children can feel embarrassed about a comfort habit, particularly once they’re old enough to notice. We keep it low-key.
Request your visit- 01
A word from you
Letting us know about the habit in advance means it needn’t be raised awkwardly in front of your child.
- 02
Meeting your child
Introductions come first, with friendly language and instruments explained before use.
- 03
Looking at the bite
When your child is ready, the dentist checks development, teeth and gums.
- 04
Talking it over
You get guidance on habits, brushing and diet, along with an idea of when to come back.
Getting ready
Keep the habit out of the pre-visit talk.
There’s no need to warn your child that the dentist will make them stop. Instead, describe the visit simply as a chance to have teeth counted and cared for, and let the adults handle the rest.
If fees or coverage are on your mind, check with the clinic before the appointment, since this varies with your plan and the care given.
What to tell us
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use, including roughly how often.
- Anything you’ve noticed about the way the top and bottom teeth meet.
- Allergies and medications your child takes.
- Past dental experiences, whether good or not so good.
Our reception desk, and framed artwork above the waiting area bench.
A child’s dignity matters
Their comfort habit is safe with us.
A thumb or soother often appears when a child feels unsure, so a dental visit is a poor moment for a confrontation. We focus on helping your child feel at ease.
Bring the comfort item
If a favourite object helps your child settle, it’s welcome to come along.
Plain speech
We explain what we’re doing without making your child feel singled out.
Stepping back
If your child gets uneasy, a break and a slower approach remain available.
Going forward
Keeping an eye on things between appointments.
Bites develop gradually and habits come and go. Note any changes you see at home and bring them up, because that context makes each monitoring visit more informative.
01
Notice the changes
Keep track of whether the habit is fading, sticking or showing up at new times.
02
Ongoing monitoring
Your child’s developing teeth stay on the dentist’s radar at recall appointments.
03
Everyday prevention
Brushing and snack habits still count while you’re sorting out the thumb question.
You can raise any change you’ve spotted by phoning (204) 338-3003.
Talk with our team
Winnipeg North Dental
Unit-5 2358 Mcphillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 4J6Get directions (opens in a new tab)Your appointment’s address
A Bite Check for Mandalay West Children on McPhillips Street
Assessments take place at Winnipeg North Dental, Unit 5, 2358 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg. Use the directions link when planning your trip from Mandalay West.
Filling in the form doesn’t book a slot. You’ll hear from the clinic about a time, and your message can mention a habit privately if you’d rather not raise it in front of your child.
Questions about coverage?
Talk with our team before your visit or learn about CDCP.
A little clarity before your visit
Your questions, answered.
Helpful details about pediatric dentistry in Mandalay West.
Ask our teamHow can a Mandalay West parent arrange a habit or bite check?
Request a children’s appointment by form or at (204) 338-3003, and say you’d like a look at bite development. The visit happens at our McPhillips Street clinic in Winnipeg.
Will the dentist tell my child to stop sucking their thumb?
Our approach is low-pressure and matter-of-fact. Guidance is mainly directed to you as the caregiver, based on what the dentist sees and your child’s age.
Can a soother change how teeth come in?
Long-running sucking habits can sometimes affect a developing bite, which is why we ask about them. The dentist can tell you what, if anything, is showing in your child’s mouth.
My child’s top and bottom teeth don’t seem to meet properly. Is that something you check?
Yes, bite development is part of what gets monitored as children grow. Point out what you’ve noticed, so the dentist can take a look with that in mind.
Does a bite concern mean my child needs braces?
Not necessarily, and that can’t be judged from a description. It’s a question for the assessment, and monitoring over time may be part of the answer.
As the bite develops
Pages for parents thinking ahead.
Depending on how things progress, you may want to read about routine prevention or about options for straightening teeth later on.
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Explore serviceHave an urgent concern? Call (204) 338-3003 to discuss availability.
Curious about that habit?
Let’s have a look at how things are developing.
Request a visit for your child, and the clinic will reply to work out a suitable appointment in Winnipeg.