A Guide to How Thumb Sucking Impacts Pediatric Dental Health
From the infant stage well into childhood, parents will find that the natural reflex of thumb sucking helps provide security and comfort. Prolonged thumb sucking has been directly linked to long term dental issues that can affect oral health. To avoid thumb sucking, educating parents is the job of pediatric dentists, including how teeth are affected and providing effective strategies to aid children in kicking the habit.
Continue to read to find out how thumb sucking impacts pediatric dental health and tips to break the habit.
How Dental Health is Affected by Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a common childhood habit that can have lasting effects on the long term dental health of children. If the behavior is prolonged, it can lead to many different dental issues that parents should be aware of, including the following:
- Teeth are Misaligned: Prolonged stages of thumb sucking exerts pressure on a child’s baby teeth, causing them to inadvertently shift out of alignment. As a direct result, this can lead to an overbite, where the front teeth no longer meet when the mouth is closed.
- Palate Shape Changes: Thumb sucking alters the shape the palate (roof of the mouth), leading to a narrow, high arch. This can change the way that teeth will erupt from the gum, leading to issues with spacing and crowding.
- Speech Development is Impacted: Thumb sucking interferes with proper tongue placement as speech develops, affecting pronuciation and articulation.
- Rising Risk of Infections: Thumb sucking can introduce bacteria and germs from the thumb into the mouth, with a rising increase of oral infections and future issues with gingivitis.
How Parents Can Help Their Children Stop Thumb Sucking
Though thumb sucking is a commonality among young children, it is important to address the habit head on if it continues past the age of two. Below are a few helpful tips to aid children stop thumb sucking entirely:
- Positive Reinforcement: Adults need to provide children with positive reinforcement and praise when they don’t suck their thumb. Parents can opt to celebrate their efforts and progress.
- Identify Triggers: Help recognize situations that trigger your child’s thumb sucking, like boredom or stress. Offer alternative methods to cope with emotions, like a toy or stress ball.
- Use Techniques That Provide Distractions: You can provide your child with activities that will keep your child’s hands busy, like playing with toys, drawing, or going outdoors.
- Bandages or Thumb Guards: Use a thumb sucking guard or wrap your thumb with a bandage, especially at night to help discourage thumb sucking.
- Speak with Your Pediatric Dentist: If thumb sucking continues or causes noticeable dental issues, consult directly with your pediatric dentist. They can help personalize appliances or strategies to break the habit.
Children Who Thumb Suck Need Dental Care Tips
For young children who thumb suck, helping to maintain good dental health to prevent issues arise from this habit. The following steps support optimal dental care to contribute to a healthy smile for your child’s bright future:
- Scheduled Dental Visits: Schedule regular visits to your child’s pediatric dentist for routine dental check-ups and teeth cleanings. Early signs of dental issues related to thumb sucking allows for intervention.
- Promote Healthy Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to brush their teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and to regularly floss. Great oral hygiene habits are important to help minimize the impact of thumb sucking on dental health.
Encouragement and Parental Support
Breaking the habit of thumb sucking will require the full support and patience from parents. It is important to approach the process with understanding and positive reinforcement to aid your child successfully transition from thumb sucking to no sucking.
Bottom Line
Thumb sucking is natural behavior for children that provides a sense of comfort and security. Prolonged thumb sucking leads to dental issues that affect oral health. Understanding the effects that thumb sucking has on your child’s teeth and implementing strategies to aid children in quitting the habit, parents can promote happy, healthy dental habits early on to support their child’s well-being and growing smile. If you have questions about how you can help your child quit their thumb sucking habit, reach out to your local Montana pediatric dentist team.
Trust the professionals at Lolo Dentistry, expert Missoula dentists, to help you keep your child’s teeth healthy. There are three dental offices to serve you in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Superior for Mineral County, Montana, call us at 406-284-8669 for more information on procedures, dentistry, reviews, and more today! We are one of the only children’s dentists in Montana that accepts Medicaid.
