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.
Cosmetic dental services can address various aesthetic concerns, such as stained teeth, crooked teeth, and an uneven gum line. Dental veneers remain a popular choice to address these concerns for their versatility and transformative results. However, veneers are not the only option. Patients can quickly reach their smile goals by learning about veneers and other…
Cosmetic dental services offer transformative solutions for those looking to enhance their smiles. From addressing minor imperfections to performing full smile makeovers, these treatments cater to a variety of cosmetic imperfections and concerns. Learning about the potential options can help you select the service that will bring you closest to the smile of your dreams.Cosmetic…
Cosmetic dental services can enhance your physical appearance and oral functions. The first meeting with your dentist will be mostly exploratory and educational. This visit is when the dentist will ask about your medical history. Here are the things to expect when you come for cosmetic dental services.The dentist will inspect the patient’s mouth. Ordering…
Denture wearers may develop a condition known as stomatitis, an inflammation of the gums and soft tissues underneath dentures. It is most common in people who wear full or partial dentures for long periods, especially those who leave their dentures in while sleeping. Many people do not even realize they have it because it often…
