Effects of Thumb-Sucking on Children’s Oral Health

1. Effects of Thumb Sucking on Children's Oral Health Prepared By, Patricia Taylor

2. Effects of Thumb Sucking on Children’s Oral Health • Thumb sucking is a form for babies to relax and fall asleep. Thumb sucking is a natural piece of self-soothing for many infants. Some even start sucking their thumb or fingers in the womb. According to the American Dental Association, most children quit thumb-sucking between two and four years of age. Why Do Children Suck Their Thumbs? • Newborns often suck thumbs as a way to relax or self-soothe, as it mimics the suckling activity during breastfeeding. And when babies nurse or take a bottle, it is better than just eating. It's a time of bonding with the people who make them feel safe and newborn tongue tie. • Even as children develop, that same sense found in thumb sucking makes them feel calm and safe. • Most kids stop sucking their thumbs either in infancy (6-9 months) or toddlerhood (2-4 years.) There is conflicting and confusing information about when babies and children should stop to prevent issues with teeth and jaw development. Some sites say not to worry until permanent teeth come in, whereas others suggest stopping it before kindergarten.

3. How Does Thumb Sucking Damage Teeth? ● Delayed speech development or speech impediment ● Speech issues and Tooth Decay ● Malocclusion and bite issues ● Calluses on the fingers or thumb ● Social issues ● Breastfeeding problems The side effects of thumb sucking can cause misalignment of your child’s permanent teeth and affect the jaw or the mouth’s shape or roof.

4. How To Help Break the Habit When kids suck their thumb, the force of the cheek muscles and the thumb pushing on the front teeth narrows the posterior teeth and can cause a crossbite. Here are a few helpful thoughts to support our child abandon their thumb-sucking habit: 1. Address the Root of the Problem: Children may suck their thumb, fingers, or pacifier out of anxiety or fear. Get to the root of the problem and address these fears, so children won't feel they need to suck their thumbs. 2. Enlist Help From a Dentist: Have a dentist encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb and share what happens to the teeth if it continues. 3. Thumb Shields: Bandage thumbs or put socks or gloves over the hands at night. 4. Replace Thumb Sucking: Replace thumb/pacifier sucking with a healthy alternative, like holding a blanket or favorite toy. 5. Try an orthodontic device: There are removable and non-removable orthodontic appliances that can be used to disrupt the ability of a child to thumb suck.

5. Tips on Breaking the Habit So how can you get your child to break the thumb-sucking habit before it becomes problematic? ● Praise or Reward your child for not sucking their thumb. ● Plan a Special Outing if your child is suck-free for several days. ● Shoot for a Time Restriction ● Distract your child when they start thumb-sucking with different activities or soothing options, such as a stuffed animal or a comforting blanket. ● Recognize triggers to your child's thumb sucking and work to reduce the triggers or develop safe alternatives. Get in touch with Dr. Maribel Santos for best solution.

6. Thank You Address:- 7315 Merchant Ct, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 Phone No:-941-907-7762 Email:- team.sarsotatongue@gmail.com Website:- https://sarasotatonguetie.com/