How Does Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Affect Your Child’s Dental Health?

Thumb sucking  is a common practice for babies and children. Not just because it is a natural reflex, but because it helps them feel comforted. As natural as this reflex is for babies and children, it can lead to tooth/mouth damage if it continues for too long. Vigorous thumb sucking is especially impactful on young, forming mouths.  Learn more about thumb sucking and pacifier use and when you need to include a dentist to help break your child of the habit.

Educate yourself with the facts on your child’s thumb sucking habit and make goals for improvements in your home. Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry  is there with you every step of the way! Contact us today at (813) 576-0200 to make an appointment for a visit!

Thumb Sucking Habits

Thumb sucking  is a common habit in children, with many starting the practice before they are even born. This natural habit is so ingrained in children that one in five children will still be thumb sucking past their fifth birthday, according to WebMD. Parents need not worry too much about thumb sucking unless the habit continues to linger or they witness that their child is forcefully thumb sucking since this can affect teeth and mouth development in children and even impact speech development.

When Should Parents Seek Outside Help?

The time for intervention with thumb sucking  is when your child’s permanent teeth are starting to come in, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. The reason for intervention at this time is that thumb sucking can affect the roof of the mouth and how the teeth align leading to costly orthodontic work and possibly speech issues.

Thumb sucking can also lead to :buck teeth” that protrude, teeth that don’t close properly (open bite), and possibly a tongue thrust which produces a noticeable lisp. Not to mention social-emotional challenges with peers that notice the lingering thumb sucking. These risks are augmented by other factors such as how often your child is thumb sucking, how strongly they are thumb sucking, and how  long they are thumb sucking.

Tips to Help Stop the Thumb Sucking Habit

Stopping the thumb sucking habit can be a difficult challenge for both parents and children. Parents, practice patience with your child as they transition away from this comfort-giving activity–it isn’t as easy to stop for your child as one might initially think. Some children may have very good intentions to stop thumb sucking but subconsciously engage in the habit when they are sleeping. Encourage your child with love so that your child retains their self esteem and doesn’t experience unnecessary anxiety.

Praise your child for little victories with the habit breaking steps she makes. Consider using a chart and daily rewards to positively incentivize your child.  Many children resort to thumb sucking out of boredom. Plan ways to keep your child’s hands busy with a fidget toy or other activity when they are sitting for periods of time that would lead to thumb sucking.

In some cases, children may benefit from a thumb sucking device that can be installed in the child’s mouth to dissuade them from thumb sucking and to remind them of their goal to not thumb suck.

It is important to prepare your child with education and love when working to stop the thumb sucking habit. Requiring your child to go cold-turkey with methods that don’t involve patience and love can lead to emotional damages within your child. Tread lightly.

Call on the Team at Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry for Help with Thumb Sucking

Dr. Cat has been dedicated to children’s dentistry for the past 8 years at a pediatric dental office and knows how to find gentle success with thumb sucking in children. Her specialized skill set and individualized attention offers you exactly what you need for a stress-free successful outcome.

Dr. Cat’s training in children’s dentistry has helped her better understand child psychology, growth and development and specific dental and emotional needs of growing children.

When your child is a patient at Li’l Sunshine Smiles, our entire focus is on your children. Patients of Li’l Sunshine Smiles become a part of our dental family and enters a safe environment devoted to excellent oral hygiene habits and healthy attitudes towards dental visits/health.

You don’t have to go it alone when it comes to helping your child stop thumb sucking. Our team has years of experience you can draw on to make the habit-breaking experience positive for all involved.  Contact us today at (813) 576-0200 to make an appointment for a visit!