As a parent, there are things you can naturally expect from your child. An avoidance of vegetables. Fights with siblings. And sucking their thumbs! This habit is an innate reflex that 90% of infants develop within two hours after being born. While it is perfectly normal to use this as a self-soothing tool until they are a toddler, thumb-sucking has the potential to negatively affect your child’s oral development if allowed to persist for too long. Read on to learn more about thumb sucking and your little one’s precious growing smile.
How Does Thumb-Sucking Impact Oral Development?
As mentioned before, thumb sucking is a natural reflex that many experts believe acts as a means of self-comfort. In most cases, babies and toddlers who partake in this habit are very unlikely to negatively impact their oral development. Children usually grow out of sucking their thumbs between the ages of two and four.
After the age of four, key parts of your little one’s mouth and jaws begin to develop. If they are still sucking on their thumb by the age of five or six, or if their finger sucking is aggressive and involves a lot of jaw movement, this once harmless habit can begin to cause long-term complications. The extra pressure can significantly influence how their mouth forms, leading to issues like:
- Crooked baby teeth and permanent teeth that don’t come in correctly
- Misaligned jaws and bite issues, such as overbite or crossbite
- Changes to the shape of the roof and floor of their mouth
These problems can usually be corrected by orthodontic treatment or—in more severe cases–surgery. If your child sucks their thumb aggressively or if they continue this habit as their permanent teeth come in, it’s time to seek help from your child’s dentist.
5 Tips for Helping Your Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb
Since thumb-sucking begins as a natural habit, it is important to be patient when it’s time to get them to break it. In fact, it’s completely natural for it to take some time! With this in mind, here are some helpful tips to guide your little one in the right direction:
- Offer a substitute when your child is feeling uneasy, like holding a favorite stuffed animal or comforting blanket
- Put a bandage on their thumb during the day and a soft sock around their hand while they sleep
- Reinforce healthy behaviors with a sticker chart and lots of praise
- Help your child become more aware of the habit by gently bringing attention to it
- If your child is old enough, explain the possible detrimental effects on their teeth and mouth
If your child has a continual habit of sucking their thumb, there is no need to worry! With this useful information and the guidance of your dentist, you can place them on the best path so they can have a whole and healthy smile for years to come!
About the Practice
Healthy Kids Dentistry is eager to help you keep your child’s smile thriving throughout every stage of their life! Their excellent team of dentists offers a wide range of child-friendly services. By providing dental care that’s fun and personalized, their goal is to prepare your little one to maintain a beautiful grin that lasts a lifetime. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (301) 871-8880.