Up to a certain point, it’s normal for children to suck on their thumbs. But even though it’s a common habit in youngsters, thumb-sucking is actually accompanied by oral health issues if it’s left to continue for too long. Here’s more from your dentist in Papillion about the potentially negative effects that thumb-sucking can have on your child’s oral health, along with some tips for helping them break the habit.
The Potential Problems with Thumb-Sucking
It’s perfectly normal and safe for your little one to suck on their thumb, and the American Dental Association estimates that children often stop this behavior around ages 2 to 4. Even though thumb-sucking does have some potential benefits for your child, such as helping them cope with anxiety or stress, it can have some damaging effects if it becomes a long-term habit.
For instance, prolonged thumb-sucking can negatively impact the development of your child’s teeth, causing their upper and lower teeth not to come together evenly. These open bites can make it difficult for your child to properly eat and speak, aside from the obvious impact on their self-esteem. For these reasons, it’s worth trying to help your child break their habit before it becomes problematic.
Tips for Breaking Your Child’s Thumb-Sucking Habit
Because your child’s health history is unique, there’s no exact time to encourage them to break the habit; however, by age 5, thumb-sucking can begin to contribute to oral health concerns like a misaligned bite. That said, some tips you can use to help discourage the habit include:
- Replace their coping mechanism for stress with a healthy alternative, like holding a blanket, stuffed animal, or toy.
- Create a chart to track their behavior with stickers and reward them when they reach a certain number of stickers.
- Avoid situations that may increase your child’s stress, like shaving, criticizing, and admonishing them for thumb-sucking.
- Reinforce healthy behaviors like not sucking their thumb with rewards and praise.
- Discourage the behavior by putting a bandage on their thumb or covering their hand with a sock at night.
- If your child is old enough, communicate to them how thumb-sucking can negatively affect their oral health.
- Help your child reduce or manage their discomfort or stress.
By understanding how thumb-sucking can influence your child’s oral health, you can take the necessary steps to discourage the habit at the right time and ensure their pearly whites come in healthy, strong, and as beautiful as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Bryce Cushing received his dental doctorate from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and has proudly served the dental needs of the Papillion area for several years. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of pediatric dental services. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit for your little one, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (402) 773-7873.