It may not appear to be a big deal when your child is a baby or toddler, but continuous thumb-sucking in Garland can have negative consequences in the long run. This non-nutritive habit can lead to necessary orthodontic treatment as a pre-teen, adolescent, or even adult. It can also cause significant changes to the oral and facial structures. If you want to stop this practice at home before it’s too late, here are four ways you can keep your child from sucking their thumb.
Why is Thumb-Sucking Bad for Your Child?
The longer your child sucks their thumb, the greater their risk for problems as it relates to their jaw and facial development as well as their bite. Although your baby or toddler may be prone to this comfort technique, it’s important that you talk to a Garland children’s dentist to discuss ways to curb the habit. Otherwise, your little one could be faced with the following issues:
- A misaligned bite that requires orthodontic treatment later on in life. An overbite is the most common development, as the pull of the thumb pushes the teeth outward over the bottom teeth. It can also cause gaps to form.
- Speech impediments that can negatively impact their self-esteem once they start school and begin interacting with their peers.
- Difficulty eating as a result of bite misalignment, making it harder for them to bite into certain foods.
- Jaw and facial development changes that cause the jaw to sit in the incorrect position. The continual sucking motion causes the teeth to move in a way that negatively impacts your child’s facial development.
4 Ways to Stop This Non-Nutritive Habit
To avoid any of the above-mentioned problems, you’ll need to find ways to stop your child from sucking their thumb. It may take several approaches to see which one(s) work best, but your child’s dentist can help offer suggestions and advice to minimize the potential challenges that can come with curbing bad habits. Some of these tips include:
- Offer your child a blanket or stuffed animal as a comfort mechanism. Encourage them to reach for these items instead of their thumb.
- Identify any triggers that tend to cause your child to start sucking their thumb.
- Do not raise your voice but make your child aware anytime they are sucking their thumb.
- Offer praise each time your child avoids the practice of thumb-sucking.
With these tips, you can help your child stop this non-nutritive practice and prepare for a healthier, more beautiful smile.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Preece is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree at The Ohio State University. He completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, NY, and is a staff member at Children’s Health Dallas/Plano. Dr. Preece and his colleagues are dedicated to providing exceptional service, compassionate care, and a fun and exciting environment for all visitors. If you’re looking for a kid’s dentist in Garland who can offer tips and suggestions regarding your child’s thumb-sucking habit, visit our website or call (972) 309-9992.