Some children resort to thumb sucking as a coping mechanism for stress. However, prolonged thumb sucking can damage your child’s teeth and gums, and you should encourage them to quit. For more information, see below:
– If a child sucks their thumb, they could introduce new bacteria to their mouths.
– Thumb sucking usually can delay the growth of a baby’s teeth, and can alter the position of the adult teeth when they come in.
– Although it should only be used if other treatment levels have failed, your dentist can recommend flavorings that specifically used to discourage children from sucking their thumbs.
– If you want to break a child’s habit of thumb sucking, do not rely on pacifiers, as they can contribute to the same type of damage to your teeth that thumb sucking can.
– Children normally suck their thumbs because they are scared or insecure.
– Gentle encouragement can help your child break the habit.
If you would like to have your child’s teeth examined by our team at Dodge Family Dental, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Dodge at our office in Orem, Utah. To make an appointment, please call us at 801-225-8060. We look forward to having your child as our guest soon.