A kid-friendly dentist does more than clean teeth. They also go over issues such as thumb-sucking, so parents understand the impact on the child’s oral health. Find out what a dentist has to say about thumb-sucking, so you will know if it is healthy or if your child should stop.
It is normal for infants to suck their thumbs. In fact, many babies started to suck their thumbs while still in the womb. Thumb-sucking at a young age actually has benefits.
Thumb-sucking soothes children, and it relieves anxiety. This behavior also makes it easier for children to fall asleep at night. Parents should let children suck their thumbs during this stage of life.
A kid-friendly dentist will recommend that children stop sucking their thumbs by the age of four. Failure to do so could cause serious damage when the permanent teeth come into the mouth.
As children age, thumb-sucking becomes more dangerous and can cause permanent changes to the mouth and teeth. Children who continue this habit might end up with bites that do not open, or top and bottom teeth that do not touch. The teeth also might jut out.
Prolonged thumb-sucking can also cause speech issues and make it difficult for the tongue to rest normally. The airway can even shrink if children suck their thumbs for too long.
The idea of getting a child to stop the behavior can be intimidating. It is a natural reflex, so many parents are afraid of the work that goes into stopping it. However, dentists have various recommendations for stopping this behavior that make it easier for parents and children.
Substitute with pacifiers
In the beginning, parents can replace the thumb with a pacifier. It is easier to take a pacifier away, so parents can control the behavior better with this technique. However, parents should not become overly reliant on pacifiers since they cause the same damage as thumbs.
Reward systems are helpful when stopping this behavior. Parents can create a chart and reward the child’s progress. Start with small goals and then expect the child to go longer and longer without engaging in the behavior.
Praise is also helpful when stopping the behavior. Praise the child every step of the way to encourage the new behavior. This will make it easier for the child to stop reaching for a thumb.
Proper oral health needs to start as soon as your child is born. That means you need to monitor thumb-sucking to ensure the behavior does not hurt your child’s teeth. While thumb-sucking is normal behavior for infants, a kid-friendly dentist should still examine the teeth to make sure that the behavior is not causing harm.
Request an appointment here: https://balmoraldentalcenter.com or call Balmoral Dental Center at (256) 429-3870 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Wondering about cosmetic dental services? Read on to learn more. Because such treatments are an investment, it is a good idea to extend the life of any cosmetic dental work you have done, such as teeth whitening or dental veneers.Typically, the dentist will provide their patients with detailed post-op instructions based on individual needs. Following…
Wondering about cosmetic dental services? Read on to learn more. These types of treatments are available to practically everyone who wants to improve their smile. Today's technological developments allow dentists to change the alignment, color, and shape of teeth, as well as correct enamel and gumline problems.An aesthetically pleasing smile can also be a good…
The right cosmetic dental services can treat any oral problem that impairs your smile. After a complete assessment, your general dentist can suggest specific treatments to target the issue. You can receive at least one procedure to improve your smile. The following are cosmetic dental services that can elevate your smile.The dentist will recommend a…
Clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular and many are choosing them over traditional braces. They offer a range of benefits, which include a discreet treatment option, the ability to remove them while eating and brushing teeth and faster treatment times on average. Learning more about how clear aligners differ from traditional braces and why so many…
