Does your child continue to suck their thumb? Thumb sucking in infants can contribute to a variety of issues and problems with the oral health of a child. Not only can it affect the alignment of the teeth in their mouths, it can also cause problems with their gums and the roof of their mouths.
Listed below are some of the common issues often associated with thumb sucking:
– Pacifiers are often considered a substitute to thumb sucking, but it can affect the teeth and gums in nearly the same ways, although it does tend to be an easier habit to break in children.
– Thumb sucking can limit the growth of teeth.
– A child should usually stop sucking their thumbs around the time their permanent front teeth begin to grow in, which is around 4 years of age.
– Additional treatment approaches for thumb sucking include having the child’s pediatrician prescribe medication used to coat the child’s finger in a bitter and foul-tasting substance.
– Thumb sucking can cause tooth decay or infections by ushering new bacteria into a child’s mouth.
– Shower your child with attention and help increase their confidence when they do not suck their thumbs, as thumb sucking is often done when they are feeling insecure or need it as a “security blanket.”
Please stop by Trecker and Lopez Family Dentistry for an oral exam from Dr. Marcus Lopez and our team at our amazing pediatric facility in Springfield, Massachusetts. Schedule your visit by calling us at 413-782-5159. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!