Effects of Thumb sucking

Children normally suck their thumbs when they are very young. It is a form of security for them, and they usually outgrow the habit around the age of three. Your pediatric dentist will keep your child’s habit in mind when periodically checking the teeth to make certain that it is not causing any problems.

Thumb sucking can create difficulties if it continues when the child grows older. The top teeth may not come in properly, or they may have a tendency of tipping toward the lip. Your child’s bite may be altered, and jaw and bone growth may also be affected by this habit.

If your child is still sucking his or her thumb after the age three, your pediatric dentist will intervene to stop the habit before it can cause any lasting damage. Intervention by your child’s dentist will require speaking to your youngster and explaining what can happen if the habit is continued and why it should be stopped. Your assistance will also be required to reinforce whatever the dentist tells your child.

Even if your child seems to have stopped the habit of sucking his or her thumb, you may still want to maintain a watchful eye for a period of time to make certain that he or she is not reverting back into the old habit.

In extreme cases where your child does not seem to be responding to other methods of breaking the habit, a mouth appliance can be used that will hinder the sucking process.

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Los Angeles
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