How Does Thumb Sucking Affect Your Child’s Teeth and Oral Health?

Thumb sucking is one of the most common habits among children because it helps them feel secure and calm. But did you know that prolonged thumb sucking can have a negative impact on their teeth and overall oral health? If a child reverts to thumb sucking often, it can harm their teeth’s development as they age.

Sucking is a normal reflux for babies and toddlers. Many children subconsciously find that thumb sucking helps them feel secure and soothes them when they are tired, sick, or in a stressful situation. Most dental professionals recommend that children should stop their thumb sucking habits by age four to prevent misalignment in permanent teeth. If the habit continues for an extended period of time after age four, your child’s mouth development can be severely impacted. The effects of thumb sucking can include the following:

• Jaw growth issues
• Palatal narrowing, which occurs when the roof of the mouth cannot grow to full size due to the forces from prolonged thumb sucking
• Improper tooth alignment and eruption of the teeth
• Dental malocclusion and other bite issues
• Skin problems on the thumb, which could lead to infection
• Speech impediments and delayed speech development

Tips to Help Your Child Quit Thumb Sucking

• Give praise when your child doesn’t suck their thumb and reward them for positive behavior. Remember, remaining positive is so important!
• Notice when your child sucks their thumb, and look for ways to distract them or give them other activities to engage in.
• If your child sucks their thumb when they feel worried, identify healthier ways to alleviate their anxiety.
• Work with your pediatric dentist in Los Angeles to explain the dangers of thumb sucking to your child and find a solution.
• Remain patient and try not to get discouraged as many children do overcome the habit eventually.

In children without permanent teeth, thumb sucking is usually harmless. As your child’s baby teeth begin to fall out and their permanent teeth begin to develop, you should; however, encourage your child to switch to other comforting methods and this task frequently involves the help and guidance of a dental professional. Schedule your appointment today with the highly reputable pediatric dentist in Los Angeles, Dr. Moradzadeh of Crystal Dental Center at 213.748.8448 to help you during this phase of development or for further information please visit www.CrsystalDentalCenters.com to learn more.