Thumbsucking
Causes: Thumbsucking is a natural reflex for a baby plus it often relaxes children and makes them feel happy and secure. The problem with thumbsucking is that it may cause teeth and the roof of the mouth to grow improperly.
Symptoms: Children who suck their thumb aggressively rather than passively are more likely to develop dental problems. If a child is older than four years of age and still sucks his thumb, great damage to the oral cavity can occur.
Diagnosis and Treatment: A dentist can identify changes in a child’s baby teeth but it is suggested that a child stop thumbsucking before identifiable signs such as the following are present:
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Misalignment of teeth |
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Changes to the roof of the mouth |
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Affected speech |
Tips to Help Your Child Stop Thumbsucking:
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Praise the child for not sucking his thumb - do not scold him. |
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Children suck their thumb when they need comfort or feel insecure. Focus on providing comfort to the child and lessening their anxiety. |
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Involve the child in stopping thumbsucking. |
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Have the dentist inform the child of the implications of thumbsucking. |
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Bandage the child's thumb at night with a sock or apply a bitter-tasting medication to the thumb to prevent the habit during sleep. These suggestions are most effective with the child's permission. |