How Thumbsucking Habit Is Harmful To A Child's Teeth And How To Cure It?

How Thumbsucking Habit Is Harmful To A Child's Teeth And How To Cure It?

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Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for children. Sucking on a thumb, fingers, or other objects may make babies feel secure and happy and help them learn about their world. They do this to soothe themselves and help them fall asleep. But this habit affects the dentition of the child in many ways. After permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not it results in dental problems. Children rest their thumbs passively in their mouths; they are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Some aggressive thumb suckers may develop problems with their baby (primary) teeth. It may cause any of the following:

1) Overbite, where the front teeth protrude out from the jawbone and mouth.

2) Other issues, such as bottom teeth tipping inward toward the back of the mouth or an open bite, where the top and bottom teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.

3) Changes in the shape of the jawbone, which can affect the alignment of the teeth, speech patterns, and even the development of lips.

4) Sensitivity of the roof of the mouth. Most of these issues will resolve or won't develop at all if thumb sucking drops off by the time the permanent teeth are in. Children tend to naturally wean themselves at around age 3, but if this pattern or habit continues past age 5, this could be a sign of an emotional disorder or problem.

Now the question arises how to help your child stop sucking:
1) Praise your child not for sucking.
2) Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure and needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
3) For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping.
4) Your dentist can offer encouragement to your child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
5) Remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night.
6) Your dentist may prescribe you a bitter medication to coat the thumb or use a mouth appliance for a few months for the discontinuation of the habit. But never use any typical medicines without a doctor's prescription.
7) There are various types of soft plastic or fabric thumb guards and shields available in the market that can be used to cover the thumb.

In a nutshell, thumb thumbsucking is a natural reflex that begins before birth in the mother's womb and is considered normal till the age of 3 and typically ends on its own, but if it continues, then your dentist can help and guide you in many ways.