Oral habit retraining & support
Oral habits like thumb-sucking, nail-biting, and tongue-thrusting are common in children. While some habits go away on their own, others may lead to serious dental issues if left unaddressed. At Junior Dental, we believe in providing comprehensive support to help children overcome oral habits and maintain a healthy smile. Here are some tips for oral habit retraining and support.
Steps to help children overcome oral habits
1. Understanding the habit
It’s essential to identify the reason behind a child’s oral habit, such as stress, boredom, or self-soothing. Understanding the cause allows us to address it with the right solution.
2. Encouraging positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement works wonders in breaking oral habits. By using praise, rewards, and incentives, we motivate children to overcome their habits with encouragement rather than punishment.
3. Practicing patience
Breaking an oral habit takes time and persistence. Changes don’t happen overnight, and it typically takes 21 days to form a new behavior. Patience and ongoing support are key during this process.
4. Seeking professional help
When habits persist, professional assistance may be necessary. At Junior Dental, we offer custom solutions, like thumb-sucking appliances, and guide parents on supporting their child at home.
5. Creating a supportive environment
A positive, supportive environment is essential for overcoming oral habits. Parents, caregivers, and dental professionals must work together, providing motivation, reassurance, and guidance to help the child succeed.
It’s essential to identify the reason behind a child’s oral habit, such as stress, boredom, or self-soothing. Understanding the cause allows us to address it with the right solution.
2. Encouraging positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement works wonders in breaking oral habits. By using praise, rewards, and incentives, we motivate children to overcome their habits with encouragement rather than punishment.
3. Practicing patience
Breaking an oral habit takes time and persistence. Changes don’t happen overnight, and it typically takes 21 days to form a new behavior. Patience and ongoing support are key during this process.
4. Seeking professional help
When habits persist, professional assistance may be necessary. At Junior Dental, we offer custom solutions, like thumb-sucking appliances, and guide parents on supporting their child at home.
5. Creating a supportive environment
A positive, supportive environment is essential for overcoming oral habits. Parents, caregivers, and dental professionals must work together, providing motivation, reassurance, and guidance to help the child succeed.
Oral habits can pose serious dental issues if left unaddressed. At Junior Dental, we believe in supporting children in overcoming oral habits and maintaining a healthy smile. With our tips and customized solutions, children can break the habit, one step at a time. Remember, our approach is focused on positive reinforcement, patience, and creating a supportive environment. We hope this article helps you and your child overcome oral habits successfully.
The skilled hands that care for your smile
At JuniorDental, our friendly, award winning pediatric dental team will ensure you and your child are well looked after
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Dr. Rafif Tayara
Founder & pediatric dentist
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Dr. Micheline Katramiz
Pediatric dentist
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Dr. Marianne Saade
Orthodontist
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Dr. Philippe Chanavaz
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
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Dr. Julie SU
Pediatric dentist
Dr Rafif Tayara
Co-Founder & Pediatric dentis
Dr. Rafif Tayara is a leading pediatric dentist, Sleep Dental Medicine specialist qualified from Tufts University, a top 1% Invisalign First Provider based in Dubai and Netherlands, and founder of JuniorDental and The Pediatric Academy.Voted "Best Pediatric Dentist 2025", she’s a frequent speaker and educator, sharing on topics such as interceptive orthodontics, airway development, and modern pediatric dentistry.
She has practiced in both private clinics and hospital-based settings in North America, the Middle East, and GCC countries. Her practice blends modern pediatric dentistry, with her own expansion protocols in interceptive orthodontics, and myofunctional therapy to address the root causes of dental and airway issues in growing children, and revolves around a multi-disciplinary team of ENT doctors, speech and feeding therapists, sleep surgeons and physiotherapists. She is also highly skilled in treating and managing special needs children and has played a significant role in raising oral health awareness in the Middle East and GCC region through various media channels, conferences and
She is also the author of the children’s book “Danny and Sarah Go to Dr. Smile,” which helps children overcome dental anxiety through an engaging and reassuring story — reflecting her commitment to making dental care a positive, empowering experience.
A proud mum of three, Dr. Tayara combines her professional expertise with a deeply personal understanding of what families need — creating an environment where every child feels safe, understood, and cared for. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help children breathe, grow, and smile better for life.
You can find her on:
Instagram @doctortayara.
LinkedIn @doctortayara.
Linktr @doctortayara.
Website @doctortayara.
She has practiced in both private clinics and hospital-based settings in North America, the Middle East, and GCC countries. Her practice blends modern pediatric dentistry, with her own expansion protocols in interceptive orthodontics, and myofunctional therapy to address the root causes of dental and airway issues in growing children, and revolves around a multi-disciplinary team of ENT doctors, speech and feeding therapists, sleep surgeons and physiotherapists. She is also highly skilled in treating and managing special needs children and has played a significant role in raising oral health awareness in the Middle East and GCC region through various media channels, conferences and
She is also the author of the children’s book “Danny and Sarah Go to Dr. Smile,” which helps children overcome dental anxiety through an engaging and reassuring story — reflecting her commitment to making dental care a positive, empowering experience.
A proud mum of three, Dr. Tayara combines her professional expertise with a deeply personal understanding of what families need — creating an environment where every child feels safe, understood, and cared for. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help children breathe, grow, and smile better for life.
You can find her on:
Instagram @doctortayara.
LinkedIn @doctortayara.
Linktr @doctortayara.
Website @doctortayara.
Dr. Micheline Katramiz
Pediatric dentist & Invisalign First provider
Meet Dr. Micheline Katramiz, our Specialist Pediatric Dentist at Junior Dental!
Dr. Micheline brings warmth, expertise, and a deep passion for children’s oral health. As a mom of two herself, she understands how to make every child feel safe, heard, and comfortable at the dentist.
She specializes in a full range of pediatric dental treatments including crowns, fillings, pulp therapy, laughing gaz, and general anesthesia (GA) for more complex cases. She is also a certified Invisalign First provider, offering early orthodontic solutions for growing smiles.
Dr. Micheline brings warmth, expertise, and a deep passion for children’s oral health. As a mom of two herself, she understands how to make every child feel safe, heard, and comfortable at the dentist.
She specializes in a full range of pediatric dental treatments including crowns, fillings, pulp therapy, laughing gaz, and general anesthesia (GA) for more complex cases. She is also a certified Invisalign First provider, offering early orthodontic solutions for growing smiles.
Dr. Marianne Saade
Orthodontist
Dr. Marianne Saade is an American board-certified orthodontist.She obtained her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD), and Fellowship in Orthodontics from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.She has practiced in the United States, Lebanon, and the UAE, bringing extensive international experience to her patients.In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Saade serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University and remains actively engaged in academic research, with publications in respected international journals.Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Dr. Saade is dedicated to creating healthy, confident smiles by combining the latest advancements in orthodontic care with a personalized and compassionate approach.
Dr. Philippe Chanavaz
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Meet Dr. PhilippeChanavazDr. Philippe Chanavaz is a highly accomplished oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai, dedicated to delivering advanced and patient-centric care. With a medical background rooted in both dental and surgical excellence, Dr. Chanavaz has earned a reputation as a pioneer in the fields of dental implantology, bone regeneration, and complex maxillofacial procedures.
Dr Julie Su
Pediatric dentist
Dr. Julie SU is graduated from the Paris Descartes Faculty of Dentistry. She later completed postgraduate certificates (CES) in Prosthodontics and Periodontology, as well as certification in Conscious Sedation, reflecting her comprehensive and versatile clinical background. As a mother of three, Dr. Julie SU understands how important it is for children to feel safe, heard, and comfortable during dental visits. She is passionate about creating positive, stress-free experiences that help children build confidence and healthy dental habits from an early age. Fluent in French, English and Chinese, she has practiced in both France and the UAE, always caring for children with attention to detail, patience and empathy. Her practice includes a full range of pediatric dental treatments, including cavity management, pediatric crowns, pulp therapies, and nitrous oxide sedation, all delivered in a gentle and child-friendly environment.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions asked by parents regarding their child's oral health
When should my child have their first dental visit?
How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
When should I start brushing my child’s teeth, and how much toothpaste should I use?
Does my child need dental X-rays, and are they safe?
Will my child need braces?
