Effects of thumb sucking in children

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for children. Sucking on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or other objects may give babies a sense of security and happiness and help them learn about their world. Young children may also suck to soothe themselves and help them sleep. Does thumb sucking damage teeth? All thumb sucking does not result in damage to the teeth or mouth. For example, passively holding the thumb in the mouth usually does not cause injury. However, active thumb-sucking with a lot of movement can cause damage to the baby teeth, although this usually corrects itself as the permanent teeth come in. Constant and intense thumb sucking can sometimes cause misalignment of a child's permanent teeth and affect the jaw or the shape and roof of the mouth. It may also expose your baby to pollution, bacteria and viruses. A study has reported that children who suck their thumbs are less likely to have allergic reactions to substances such as pollen and dust mites in the future. So, deciding when to stop finger sucking involves several factors. The intensity of sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may occur. If children passively put their thumbs in their mouths, they have less trouble than those who suck their thumbs vigorously. Some aggressive suckers may have trouble with their baby (primary) teeth. Long-term effects of finger sucking on the mouth Strong finger sucking can have many effects on the teeth and mouth. This is due to the repeated pressure of the thumb and the suction sites on the teeth, jawbone and roof of the mouth. It may cause any of the following: **Overbite**, where the front teeth protrude from the jaw and mouth **Other bite problems,** such as lower teeth bending inward toward the back of the mouth or an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. **Changes in the shape of the jaw**, which can affect tooth alignment and speech patterns such as lip growth. **Sensitivity of the roof of the mouth** Most of these problems will resolve or not develop at all if thumb-sucking is stopped by the time the permanent teeth erupt. Children who suck their thumbs for long periods of time and continue to suck their thumbs vigorously may be at risk for these side effects. ### When do children stop sucking their thumbs? Children usually stop sucking between the ages of two and four, or when the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. If you notice changes in your baby's baby teeth or are concerned about your baby's thumb sucking, consult a dentist. What to do if you notice bite problems or other teeth problems All children should start regular dental checkups starting at age 1. If you later notice that your child's front teeth are protruding, or your child seems to be having trouble biting, talk to your child's dentist about your concerns. Your child's permanent teeth don't start coming in until they are 6 years old. However, there may be damage to their mouth before then that may or may not repair itself. For this reason, it's best to talk to your doctor early, especially if you're concerned. Suggested article: How to floss if you have orthodontics? ### How can I help my child stop thumb sucking? - Praise your child for not sucking. Children often suck their thumbs when they feel insecure or need to calm down. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and comforting your child. - For an older child, involve him in choosing a stopping method. - Your dentist can encourage your child and explain what will happen to his teeth if he does not stop sucking. ### How much can a child safely suck their thumb? If your child is past age 4 and still sucks their thumb regularly throughout the day, or if you're concerned about your child's thumb sucking, talk to their pediatrician or dentist. They may recommend treatments or strategies you can use to help your child stop thumb sucking. They may also recommend that you let your child continue the behavior, despite the possible effects on the baby teeth, until he quits on his own. Many children stop sucking their thumb between the ages of 2 and 4. Continued or intense thumb sucking that lasts after that time may affect the alignment of the permanent front teeth and the shape of your baby's mouth. How to help your child stop thumb sucking If you're trying to get your child to stop thumb-sucking, know that whatever method you choose has the best chance of success if your child wants to stop. Helping your child stop thumb sucking may depend on their age. In older children, talking to your child may be enough, especially if they have been teased about this exercise by other children. Peer pressure can be a strong deterrent for children entering preschool or kindergarten. If your child shows resistance to stop sucking his finger at any point, it is better to ignore this behavior. Sometimes, the more you pay attention to it, the more lasting it becomes. Here are some other ways to help your child stop thumb sucking: ### Pay attention to your baby's thumb sucking triggers Some children suck their thumbs when they are bored, tired, anxious or hungry. If they seem to be sucking their thumb as a coping strategy in stressful situations, try to figure out the root cause of their anxiety so you can address it. If they suck their thumbs at other times, try to involve them in activities that use their hands, such as drawing or playing. But don't let thumb-sucking be a means of attracting attention, whether positive or negative. ### Use positive reinforcement Engage your child in wanting to stop the behavior by praising him when he doesn't suck his thumb or by letting him track the absence of the behavior with a sticker chart. ### Keep them on track with gentle reminders If your child is unconsciously sucking their thumb, calmly tell them to stop. Be prepared to do this several times. This only works if your child wants to stop thumb sucking. ### Ask your child's dentist for help Your child's dentist can talk to them about thumb-sucking and let them know about the type of damage it can cause to their teeth. ### Try an orthodontic appliance There are removable and non-removable orthodontic appliances that can be used to disrupt a child's ability to suck a finger. A pediatric orthodontist can work with you to determine which type is best for your child. ### Use thumb guards If your child is interested in being reminded not to suck their thumb, a variety of soft plastic or fabric shields are available over the counter. Your child can wear them all the time or when they are likely to suck their thumb. You can also cover your child's thumb with gloves, mittens, or socks at night if his thumb sucks in his sleep. If your child only sucks his thumb when he sleeps, remember that it's not something he can control. ### Why do children suck their thumbs? Thumb sucking is a soothing and reflexive behavior. It starts in the womb, before birth. Babies often continue this soothing practice after birth, which often helps them settle into sleep. In some children, thumb sucking may continue into childhood and is often used as a self-soothing mechanism to cope with stressful situations. #### Thumb sucking in front of the pacifier One of the things you should not do is to replace your child's thumb sucking habit with a pacifier habit. Pacifier sucking has the same potential for tooth damage as thumb sucking. Pacifiers can also fall to the floor, making them germ magnets. The only benefit of using a pacifier is that you can keep it away from your baby as a weaning strategy. If these tips do not work, the dentist or pediatrician may prescribe a bitter medicine to cover the thumb or use an oral appliance.