Thumb Sucking: Bad for Teeth!!

 Thumb sucking is one of a set of behaviors known as non–nutritive sucking habits. We can also see the usage of pacifiers, blankets, or sucking on other people's fingers as a soothing activity among this group.

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Thumb-sucking has long been thought to be an adaptive behavior that provides stimulation or self-soothing. 

 

This exercise examines the diagnosis and treatment of thumb sucking, as well as the role of the inter professional team in treating patients with this disease.

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What is the average duration of thumb sucking?

Many youngsters quit sucking their thumbs on their own between the ages of 2 and 4, or by the time they are 6 or 7 months old.

Even if a child has quit sucking his or her thumb, he or she may revert to the habit during a stressful situation.

 

When should you help your Child?

Thumb sucking normally isn't a problem until a child's permanent teeth appear. Thumb sucking may now begin to alter the roof of the mouth (palate) or the alignment of the teeth. The frequency, length, and intensity with which your youngster sucks on his or her thumb are associated with the risk of dental issues.

Although some experts advise treating sucking behaviors before the age of three, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, therapy is normally reserved for children who continue to thumb suck after the age of five.

 

What can I do to get my toddler to quit sucking his thumb?

Discuss thumb sucking with your child. If your child wants to quit and helps you select the strategy, you're more likely to succeed in breaking the habit.

Paying no attention to thumb sucking might sometimes be enough to stop it, especially if your child uses it to obtain attention. If ignoring it isn't working, try one of the following methods:

 

● Using of positive reinforcement techniques: 

Photo by Paula-Beauty from Imperfection

When your child isn't thumb sucking, praise him or her or give him or her tiny treats, such as an additional bedtime story or a trip to the park. 

Set achievable objectives, such as not sucking your thumb for an hour before going to bed. Stickers on a calendar can be used to track the days that your kid has successfully avoided thumb sucking.

● Identify potential triggers:

 If your child sucks his or her thumb in reaction to stress, figure out what's causing the problem and offer comfort in other ways, such as a hug or soothing words. You might also offer your youngster a plush animal or a cushion to squeeze.

● Gentle reminders:

Remind them with gentle reminders. If your youngster sucks his or her thumb out of habit rather than to gain attention, gently advise him or her to stop. Do not chastise, condemn, or mock your youngster.

 

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How can your Dentist can help you?

 It's always a good idea to seek advice from a pediatric dentist if parents are having trouble helping their children stop the habit. Pediatric dentists are well-versed in the most frequent dental problems that youngsters face. A dentist can assist children in learning about the dangers of thumb-sucking.

Pediatric dentists can also help in circumstances where the youngster simply refuses to stop doing something. This might involve giving you a bitter drug that covers your thumb and makes sucking unpleasant. To prevent thumb-sucking, a dental item called a palatal bar or "crib" can be implanted into your child's mouth. Such methods, on the other hand, are only contemplated in extreme circumstances.

For further information, always consult a dentist.