Posted by Kids First Pediatric Dentistry PC 2023-05-22
As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes their dental health. Unfortunately, thumb sucking is an all too common habit among children, and it can have negative effects on their teeth and jaw development if it continues for too long. Here are some tips to help your child overcome their unhealthy thumb sucking habit!
First, it’s important to understand why children suck their thumbs. Many children do it for comfort and to self-soothe, especially when they’re feeling anxious or tired. While it is a natural behavior that typically starts in infancy, most children outgrow it by the age of 4. However, some children do continue to suck their thumbs well into childhood, which can cause problems with their dental health as their mouth and jaw are developing.
The problem is, if thumb sucking goes on for too long, the pressure of the thumb pushing against the teeth and roof of the mouth can cause their teeth to shift or become misaligned. Once that happens, it can lead to problems with speech, chewing and even breathing properly. As thumb sucking affects the development of their jaw, this causes an overbite or underbite to develop. In some cases, prolonged thumb sucking can even lead to the need for orthodontic treatment later.
So, what can you do to help your child overcome their unhealthy thumb sucking habit? Here are some helpful tips to try:
It’s important to note that breaking the habit of thumb sucking takes time and patience. As a parent, you want to be supportive, understanding and celebrate your child’s progress along the way! With the right approach, your child can overcome thumb sucking and go on to develop a healthy, beautiful smile.