Is Your Child’s Thumb Sucking at an Advanced Stage?

Is your child’s thumb sucking at an advanced stage? Thumb sucking in infants can result in a variety of issues and problems with the oral health of a child. Not only can it affect the rotation of the teeth in their mouths, it can also cause changes with their gums and the roof of their mouths.

Listed below are some of the common dangers often associated with thumb sucking:

– Pacifiers are often considered an alternative to thumb sucking, but it can disrupt your teeth and gums in nearly the same ways, although it does tend to be an easier habit to break in children.

– Additional treatment techniques for thumb sucking include having the child’s pediatrician prescribe medication used to coat the child’s finger in a bitter and foul-tasting substance.

– Shower your child with admiration and help grow their self-confidence when they do not suck their thumbs, as thumb sucking is often done when they are feeling insecure or need it as a “security blanket.”

– Thumb sucking can obstruct the growth of teeth.

– Thumb sucking can cause tooth decay or infections by introducing new germs into a child’s mouth.

– A child should as a general rule stop sucking their thumbs around the time their permanent front teeth begin to grow in, which is around 4 years of age.

If you notice any habits or foods that are putting your child’s smile at risk, take the steps to protect them immediately. For additional help, Dr. Lisa Halliday and our team at Lisa Halliday, DMD & Tom Halliday, DDS are here to give your child the smile they need. If you would like to schedule an appointment to come see us at our pediatric office in Sonoma, California, please contact us at 707-996-6704 to speak with a member of our team.