A frequent practice that often begins in infancy is thumb sucking, which many children develop. About three-quarters of babies sucking their thumbs start sucking them soon after birth, and some of those babies keep sucking their thumbs even as they become older.

Misaligned teeth, difficult palate development, speech impairments, and the need for substantial orthodontic treatment by Modesto kids dental are among the dental issues that may result from children’s thumb sucking for lengthy periods.  So, let’s learn more about it. 

What Are the Dental Implications of Thumb Sucking?

Babies self-soothe by sucking their thumbs, which is a healthy habit. Thumb sucking is harmless at first, but it may lead to major dental issues when kids start losing their teeth (at the ages of 5 or 6) like:

• Misaligned teeth
• An overbite
• Changing the shape of the jaw
• Mouth sensitivity (especially the roof of the mouth)

Effects of Thumb Sucking on Teeth

Problems with the teeth and gums may develop from thumb sucking for too long, including:

• Misalignment of Teeth (Malocclusion)

When you constantly grind your teeth with your thumb or finger, it might force the rear teeth in and the front teeth in. If your upper and lower teeth aren’t correctly aligned, you may have trouble biting or chewing due to an open bite or overjet.

• Narrowing of the Upper Jaw

Sucking so forcefully over and over again could shorten your jaw and produce a crossbite. An irregular bite pattern, which may lead to jaw pain or discomfort, is caused when the upper teeth bite within the lower teeth. This problem is known as crowding.

• Speech Difficulties

When the jaw becomes misaligned from sucking one’s thumb, it might alter the placement of one’s lips and tongue, which can cause trouble speaking clearly or even a lisp.

• Dental Problems

Thumb sucking can worsen dental issues like cavities, gum inflammation, and potential tooth loss. The pressure from the thumb may increase tooth decay and contribute to gum problems due to constant exposure to saliva and germs.

How Do You Break a Thumb Sucking Habit?

Our number one piece of advice is that you shouldn’t discipline kids just because they are sucking their thumbs. When children are distressed or anxious, they may be sucking on their fingers or thumbs as a means of self-calming. Your child’s thumb-sucking habit may worsen if you seem irritated or annoyed when they do it. 

When kids actively try to quit thumb-sucking, they are more likely to succeed. If you’re concerned about your child continuing the habit, use positive reinforcement to encourage them. Talk about their growth and responsibilities, like taking care of their teeth. Avoid embarrassing them, as this could make the habit worse.

Consult your child’s dentist if you need help broaching the subject with your youngster. A pediatric dentist may use positive, age-appropriate language to help your kid quit thumb-sucking.

It should be much simpler for your youngster to discontinue the habit if they feel driven. Now is a good time to help your youngster recognize what sets off their meltdowns and brainstorm solutions. If your kid has a habit of sucking their thumb before bed, they may assume that cuddling with a new stuffed animal or listening to calming music would help them go to sleep. 

Your child may suck their thumb when anxious. Instead of encouraging this habit, help them learn mindfulness or other coping mechanisms to manage stress.

Conclusion 

Although thumb sucking is normal and reassuring for the child, it is crucial to intervene because it may cause major dental or developmental complications. Through such reinforcement and assistance from a professional, the parents can eliminate the thumb-sucking phase and prevent their child’s teeth from rotting on the sides.