Why Child Thumb Sucking Is Bad For Their Teeth
Most children develop some unique habits that continue until a child is about 5-6 years of age. The most common habit that almost all children develop from a very young age is that of thumb sucking. Babies find thumb sucking as a pacifier and as a comforting aspect. However, if this habit increases beyond a certain limit, it can be very troublesome and have an adverse effect on the structure of their teeth and their mouth.
It is the duty of the parents to make sure that the habit of thumb sucking decreases as their child grows older. It should be eradicated completely by the time the child is about six or seven years old. Parents must be able to identify the line where thumb sucking can cause further problems. If their child is involved in thumb sucking throughout the day then it is a sign of concern and must be immediately addressed and done away with. Usually children suck at their thumb for some time in their bed before they fall asleep. If the child thumb sucks throughout the night then it is a major problem leading to further problems. Also, forceful sucking of thumb is not a good sign.
Extensive thumb sucking is especially harmful when the child develops his/her permanent set of teeth. If the child continues thumb sucking then it can lead to a change in the shape of the mouth and in the position of the teeth and lips. When the child sucks his/her thumb it leads to a significant muscle reaction causing protruding teeth. This habit can also lead to abnormal swallowing patterns causing discomfort to the child. The protruding of teeth does not leave a good impression and makes it necessary for the child to wear braces and shift the position of the teeth. Sometimes, in extreme cases there is even a need for surgery to decrease the protruding shape of the teeth.
To avoid all these problems parents must make the child quit the habit of thumb sucking as soon as possible. They must praise their child whenever he/she refrains from thumb sucking and encourage continuing this always. This would help in maintaining the dental health of the child and also in ensuring that he/she has a good and beautiful set of teeth.
It is the duty of the parents to make sure that the habit of thumb sucking decreases as their child grows older. It should be eradicated completely by the time the child is about six or seven years old. Parents must be able to identify the line where thumb sucking can cause further problems. If their child is involved in thumb sucking throughout the day then it is a sign of concern and must be immediately addressed and done away with. Usually children suck at their thumb for some time in their bed before they fall asleep. If the child thumb sucks throughout the night then it is a major problem leading to further problems. Also, forceful sucking of thumb is not a good sign.
Extensive thumb sucking is especially harmful when the child develops his/her permanent set of teeth. If the child continues thumb sucking then it can lead to a change in the shape of the mouth and in the position of the teeth and lips. When the child sucks his/her thumb it leads to a significant muscle reaction causing protruding teeth. This habit can also lead to abnormal swallowing patterns causing discomfort to the child. The protruding of teeth does not leave a good impression and makes it necessary for the child to wear braces and shift the position of the teeth. Sometimes, in extreme cases there is even a need for surgery to decrease the protruding shape of the teeth.
To avoid all these problems parents must make the child quit the habit of thumb sucking as soon as possible. They must praise their child whenever he/she refrains from thumb sucking and encourage continuing this always. This would help in maintaining the dental health of the child and also in ensuring that he/she has a good and beautiful set of teeth.
