Thumb sucking does not always result in the tooth or oral damage. For instance, passive holding the thumb in the mouth is unlikely to cause harm. Aggressive thumb sucking with a lot of movements, on the other hand, may damage primary (baby) teeth, but this normally corrects itself when permanent teeth emerge. Thumb sucking may occasionally cause abnormalities of your child’s permanent teeth and problems with the jaw, the shape of the mouth, and the roof of the mouth. Your kid may be exposed to dirt, germs, and viruses due to thumb sucking.
According to research published in Pediatrics, children who suck their thumbs are less likely to develop allergies to pollen and dust mites later in life. So, selecting when or even whether you should prevent thumb sucking depends on several circumstances.
What should you do if you find a problem with your bite or other tooth issues?
By the age of one year, all children should regularly see the Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN. If you observe your kid’s front teeth thrusting out later, or if your child appears to have a biting issue, speak with Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN about your concerns.
Your child’s permanent teeth will not appear until six years old. However, harm to their lips may be done before that time that may or may not be repaired. As a result, it’s a good idea to see a doctor soon, particularly if you’re worried.
What is the maximum amount of time a youngster may safely suck their thumb?
Talk to your kid’s doctor or Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN if your child is older than four and still sucks their thumb throughout the day or if you’re worried about your child’s thumb sucking. They could suggest therapies or tactics assist your youngster quit sucking their thumb. They may also advise allowing your kid to continue with the behaviour until they can stop on their own, despite the potential consequences for their baby teeth.
Between the ages of 2 and 4, many youngsters quit sucking their thumbs. Thumb sucking that lasts longer than that might damage the alignment of your child’s permanent front teeth and the form of their mouth.
How do you get your toddler to quit sucking their thumb?
If you’re thinking about attempting to convince your kid to quit sucking their thumb, keep in mind that any strategy you choose will only work if your youngster likewise wants to stop. Depending on your child’s age, you may need to help them quit sucking their thumbs.
Speaking to your older child about the habit should be enough, particularly if they’ve been mocked about it by other kids. Peer pressure may be a significant barrier in children entering preschool or kindergarten. It’s best to ignore your child’s thumb sucking if they refuse to stop. The more you pay attention to it, the more persistent it grows.
There are a few more things you may do to assist your toddler quit sucking their thumb:
Keep an eye out for your child’s thumb-sucking triggers.
When bored, weary, nervous, or hungry, some youngsters thumb suck. If they seem to suck their thumb as a kind of self-soothing in stressful circumstances, try to find out what’s causing their worry so you can solve it. If they’re thumb sucking at other times, get them to do something with their hands, like painting or playing catch. However, don’t allow thumb-sucking to become a source of good or negative attention.
Positive reinforcement should be used.
Encourage your kid to want to quit thumb sucking by rewarding them when they don’t or by using a sticker system to mark the absence of the activity.
Gentle reminders will keep them on track.
Tell your youngster to quit thumb sucking if they are doing it unintentionally. Prepare to repeat this process many times. This method only works if your youngster expresses a desire to quit sucking their thumb.
Consult your child’s dentist for assistance.
Your child’s dentist may discuss their thumb-sucking habits and inform them of the potential consequences.
Consider using an orthodontic device.
Both removable and nonremovable orthodontic devices may be used to stop a youngster from sucking their thumb. A pediatric orthodontist can help you decide which is the best option for your kid.
Thumb shields should be used.
If your kid wants a reminder not to suck their thumb, there are a variety of soft plastic or cloth thumb guards available without a prescription. They may be worn all the time or when your youngster is most prone to thumb suck. If your kid’s thumb sucks in their sleep, you may cover their thumb with a glove, mitten, or sock at night. Remember that your kid can’t control whether or whether they suck their thumb while sleeping.
What causes children to suck their thumbs? | Advantages
Sucking one’s thumb is a relaxing and instinctive action. It starts before birth, in the womb. After delivery, infants and newborns generally continue this soothing exercise, which may help them fall asleep. Thumb sucking may persist into the toddler years in some children, and it is often used as a self-soothing method for dealing with stressful circumstances.
According to the American Dental Association, most youngsters quit sucking their thumbs between two and four.
Pacifiers vs. thumb sucking
One thing you should avoid doing is substituting a pacifier for your child’s thumb-sucking habit. Sucking on a pacifier may cause tooth damage in the same way that thumb sucking does. Pacifiers may sometimes tumble to the ground and attract germs. The one benefit of using a pacifier is that you can take it away from your kid as a means to break the habit.
Takeaway
Sucking one’s thumb is a natural reflex that starts before birth. Many youngsters continue the practice until they are at least two years old. Thumb sucking usually goes away on its own. Still, it may sometimes cause oral damage, particularly if it continues above the age of four and the kid sucks aggressively and often. Children may be exposed to germs and viruses due to this practice.
Parents may assist their children in kicking the habit. Children Dental Center Indianapolis IN may also be able to assist them.
