Thumb sucking is common for babies and young children. Some babies start the habit while inside their mother’s womb. For most children, thumb sucking is a calming action. Many children who have a habit of thumb sucking end up quitting between the ages of two and four. Though this habit does not present any major risks when a child is very young, it can become a problem when a child is still sucking after the age of five. When a child cannot seem to overcome this habit, it may be a good idea to consult with the Dentists in Phoenixville.
Thumb sucking can begin to cause different issues:
• Alignment issues with the jaws
• A misshapen roof of the mouth
• Protrusion of the front teeth
Most dentists recommend children stop sucking their thumbs around the age of four. This is well before the adult teeth begin cutting through so no permanent damages will occur. For some children, it is not a big deal to stop sucking. Other children can have a difficult time and may need extra help in the process.
It is important parents do not discipline their child for thumb sucking. This can end up causing the problem to become worse. Instead, the Dentists in Phoenixville recommend praising the child when they are not sucking. There are also other methods that can be beneficial:
• Place a band-aid on the thumb.
• Ask the child what method they want to try.
• Keep the child calm so anxiety does not cause them to suck.
Parents should never use methods of putting hot sauce or bitter flavors on the thumbs, as this can be counterproductive. If a child is having a difficult time letting go of their thumb, seeing the dentist can help. The dentist can assist the parents in forming a plan to stop the habit without causing stress to the child.
A thumb sucking habit is normal and should not be stressed over. The less it is talked about, the better the chances of the child stopping on their own. To get help with a child who is thumb sucking at an older age, contact the Pediatric Dentistry of Collegeville.
