Does your precious little one suck their thumb? Thumb sucking is a common practice among infants and toddlers, and it might seem harmless or even cute. However, it can lead to serious dental problems. Read on to learn more about thumb sucking and how your family dentist in Natick can help your child break the habit.
Why Thumb Sucking Is Bad
Children often suck their thumbs because it is soothing; they do it to relieve anxiety. Furthermore, since babies and very young toddlers have trouble expressing themselves, they may turn to their thumbs to work out their frustration with not being able to communicate clearly.
Most children gradually lose interest in sucking their thumbs when they’re between two and four years old. However, for your child to have the best possible oral development, they should stop by age two. If thumb sucking isn’t taken care of in a timely manner, it can lead to:
- Flared upper teeth, which are otherwise called buck teeth
- An open bite or a cross bite
- Difficulty chewing
- Changes in facial appearance or in the shape of the jawbone
- A lisp
These issues occur because children’s jaws are soft and still developing. Intense and prolonged thumb sucking puts pressure on the jaws and teeth, leading to unfortunate results. If your child only rests their thumb in their mouth or only occasionally sucks on it, problems are less likely to occur.
How to Stop Thumb Sucking
Parents around the world have tried a range of tricks to stop thumb sucking. What works for one child may not work for another. Sometimes it is a matter of trial and error. However, it is imperative that you do not give up in helping your child to break the habit. Depending on your child’s age, you might try the following:
- Use scare tactics. Explain to your child what can result if they don’t stop sucking.
- Make a game out of it.
- Put something bitter on the thumb to make sucking less pleasant.
- Understand what situations trigger thumb sucking and do what you can to minimize your child’s exposure to those circumstances.
- Give your child something to distract their hands. For example, you might get them a teddy bear to hold onto at night.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to your children’s dentist in Natick. They can offer professional advice on how to help your little one stop sucking their thumb. Your dentist can also talk to your kiddo about what this habit can lead to; your child might be more willing to listen to a professional than they are to listen to mom and dad.
You want your young child to have the healthiest smile possible, and thumb sucking can prevent that from happening. Take measures to help your little one break the habit.
About the Author
Dr. Christina Papageorgiou is an experienced family dentist in Natick who loves to help patients of all ages achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. She has had personal experience with thumb sucking in her own family, so she is well-equipped to help other parents deal with this issue. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s oral development, contact Papageorgiou Dental Associates via the website or by phone at 508-545-1126.