20
Jun
Paci vs Thumb? The Side Effects?
Sucking is a natural and necessary reflex for a baby. Some infants start sucking their thumbs in the womb. Babies need to be able to suck properly in order to be fed. They may also suck on their fingers or a pacifier to find comfort when hungry, tired, bored, scared or wanting to fall asleep. We call this a non-nutritive sucking habit as it is independent of the feeding needs. This urge decreases after 6 months of age but many babies keep the habit until around one year of age.
Dr. Maribel Santos-Cordero
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With over 30 years’ experience, Dr. Maribel Santos-Cordero is locally recognized as a top dentist. Earning her DMD with high honors from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, she completed her Pediatric Dentistry residency at The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, NY, a Pediatric Dental Sleep Medicine mini-residency at Tufts School of Dental Medicine and a Surgical Proctoring mini-residency with The Breathe Institute. She is a Diplomate of the ABPD, Fellow of the AAPD and American Laser Study Club, and member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals, and ADA. A certified laser surgeon, she is also trained in oral myofunctional therapy and orthodontics and has privileges at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.