Thumbsucking can cause dental problems for some children, so it’s important to work on ways to stop this behavior.
Why Do Some Children Suck Their Thumbs?
Some children suck their thumbs in order to soothe themselves. This habit provides them with a sense of calmness and safety, and it can help them fall asleep. This is why it can be difficult to stop children from sucking on their thumb.
How Long Does Thumb Sucking Usually Last?
Thumb sucking can last for varying lengths of time, depending on each child. In general, children usually stop when they are between two and four years old. Some children grow out of this behavior early on, while others continue to suck their thumb after starting school.
How Can Thumb Sucking Affect My Child’s Teeth?
This behavior can interfere with the way your child’s permanent teeth come in. These teeth might not be aligned right due to thumb sucking. In some cases, this habit can also result in changes that affect the roof of your child’s mouth. More intense thumb sucking is associated with a higher risk of dental problems, including problems with baby teeth.
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Thumb Sucking?
Thumb sucking can cause problems with the way your child’s permanent teeth grow. This is due to the pressure that sucking places on these teeth.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Thumbsucking?
Thumbsucking can eventually lead to problems with speaking clearly and chewing food properly. This can happen if your child’s permanent teeth become misaligned over time due to a thumb sucking habit.
How Does Thumb Sucking Affect My Child’s Teeth?
Thumb sucking can cause your child’s permanent teeth to end up being misaligned, which can lead to problems with talking and chewing. Stopping this habit can help prevent these problems from developing.
How Can I Help My Child Stop Thumbsucking?
You can encourage children to stop this habit by offering praise when they’re not doing it. Praising or rewarding them for not sucking on their thumb helps motivate them to stop. You can also try to find out what is causing your child to feel anxious or upset and work on providing comfort to ease these feelings.
Should I See a Dentist About My Child’s Thumb Sucking Habit?
If you have tried to get your child to stop thumb sucking without success, you should see a dentist. Having a dentist talk to your child could help stop this habit. Dentists can also recommend other ways to get children to stop sucking their thumb, such as using a mouth appliance.
To learn more about how thumbsucking can affect your child’s teeth, make an appointment today with Park View Pediatric Dentistry. Our entire staff will make you and your child feel welcome and comfortable in our child-friendly office.