|
 Why
Do Children Suck Their Thumbs?
Children
suck on things because sucking is one of a baby's natural instincts.
Sucking makes them feel secure and content, and may induce drowsiness.
Prolonged thumbsucking (or pacifier sucking) interferes with the
proper growth of the mouth and the alignment of the teeth. This
improper development, if not corrected, will change the appearance
of the child's face.
When
Should Children Stop Sucking Their Thumbs?
Children
should have ceased sucking between the ages of 2 to 4. If you are
having trouble breaking your child's habit, try to:
- Comfort him
if he is feeling insecure. Sometimes children suck their thumb
for a sense of security.
- Instead of
scolding your child for thumbsucking, praise him when he doesn't
suck his thumb, especially during difficult periods.
- Explain to
older children the dangers of thumbsucking and involve them in
choosing the method to break the habit.
If
you need help stopping your child's thumbsucking habit, we can provide
you with a patient-friendly dental appliance that will break the
habit. Contact
Us for more information and an appointment.
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  Open
Bite:
An
open bite often results from thumbsucking or prolonged use of a
pacifier. If the open bite is not corrected early, the child may
develop a habit of deviated swallowing and/or anterior tongue thrust.
(This is when the child presses against the back of his teeth repeatedly
and subconsciously with his tongue). These habits lead to further
dental problems and make correction of the open bite more difficult.
The
best cure for open bite is to prevent it in the first place by eliminating
thumbsucking and the use of pacifiers as early as possible for your
child. Untreated,
open bite can lead to facial malformation, abnormal speech patterns
and significant orthodontic complications.
Thumbsucking
Treatment
Depending on
the age of the child and the frequency of their thumbsucking, Dr. Gifford
will recommended the appropriate treatment.
Sometime a “hand
trainer” that covers the thumb and prevents the child from
being able to “suck” is all that is needed.
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