Why Thumb Sucking is Bad for Teeth? Explains Family Dentist on Chinguacousy

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Why Thumb Sucking is Bad for Teeth? Explains
Family Dentist on Chinguacousy
 Thumb sucking is a common habit among children
because it relaxes and soothes them. A Family
Dentist says that thumb sucking and pacifier use
can harm a child's teeth and overall oral
health.   If a child frequently reverts to thumb
sucking, it can harm their teeth in the long run.
Continue reading to learn how thumb sucking and
pacifier use can harm your child's teeth and
overall oral health.
Why Do Children Suck Their Thumb?
The dentist explains that babies are born with a
suckling reflex to feed themselves. Because
sucking produces a positive association and
endorphins, babies frequently transfer the action
to other objects such as thumbs, fingers,
pacifiers, Sippy cups, and similar items in order
to experience the same pleasurable sensation. It
is also a calming habit that aids in the child's
relaxation, similar to having a "safety" item
such as a blanket.   Also Read Tips to Teach
Children about Dental Hygiene from an Early Age
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How Thumb Sucking Affects Teeth

• Many children discover subconsciously that the
  habit relieves boredom or soothes them when they
  are tired, sick, or in a stressful situation.
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• It is critical to stop thumb sucking before your
  child's permanent teeth erupt, even if some of
  the effects of vigorous sucking have already
  occurred.
• Thumb sucking can have the following
  consequences
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• Palatal narrowing occurs when the roof of the
  mouth does not fully expand due to the forces of
  thumb or pacifier sucking.
• Tooth misalignment and tooth eruption
• Malocclusion and bite problems, such as an open
  bite,
• Changes in the tongue's swallowing action and
  breathing patterns
• Calloused fingers or thumbs
• Speech development is lacking.
•  
• The longer the habit persists, the more damage it
  can cause. Encouraging your child to stop sucking
  on his or her finger or thumb may be all that is
  required to assist your child in quitting the
  habit during the day. (Positive reinforcement and
  unconditional love go a long way!) Night-time
  habits, on the other hand, can be more difficult
  to break, but there are still ways you can help
  your child stop thumb sucking.

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Pacifier vs. Thumb Sucking 
Eliminating the habit as your child grows older
is dependent on the child's desire to stop.
Pacifier use may be easier to eliminate because
it can be removed. Typically, I recommend
removing the pacifier at 18 months or earlier by
marking a date on the calendar and discontinuing
use during the day and at night. When your child
begins to talk while holding the pacifier between
his or her teeth or lips, the tongue actions
associated with speech and swallowing may develop
incorrectly. This is why it's critical to keep
track of your child's pacifier usage and set a
date for weaning them off the pacifier.
How to Stop Thumb Sucking

• Family Dentist on Chinguacousy, RD can provide
  you with specific suggestions for helping your
  child stop thumb sucking. Do these things
•  
• Reward and praise your child for not sucking
  their thumb.
• Determine the source of the thumb sucking (often
  anxiety or boredom) and work to eliminate it.
• As they sleep, some children suck their thumbs.
  Wear mittens to bed and play soothing music to
  help your child sleep.
• Be patient and try not to become discouraged
  thumb sucking is a difficult habit for children
  to break.
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• Overall, thumb sucking is a natural habit for
  babies and toddlers, but it can be detrimental to
  their oral health if practiced for an extended
  period of time. Speak with your Family Dentist on
  Chinguacousy about thumb-sucking habits and how
  to break the habit before it harms your child's
  oral growth and development. Book an appointment
  to get started - contact us at [phone].

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Queen Chinguacousy Dentistry
Book your appointment today Family Dentist on
Chinguacousy Road Address 8975 Chinguacousy
Road, Unit 5 City Brampton, ON Zip Code L6Y
0B7 Phone [phone] Email info_at_qcdentistry.ca
Website www.qcdentistry.ca