Thumb and Finger Sucking: Is It a Problem?
The sucking reflex is normal in babies but continuing that habit into childhood can have detrimental effects on the growth of the mouth and jaw as well as the position of the teeth. If the habit persists through the ages of 4 to 7, the position of the adult teeth may be off, forcing the two front teeth to be pointed outward. Habitual thumb sucking may also cause the child to have an open bite which may cause further problems in adulthood, such as premature tooth wear and dental decay. Sucking on pacifiers as the adult teeth come in could also cause the same issues.
The recommended way of dealing with a thumb sucking habit is through positive reinforcement, or praising the child when he/she is not sucking on the thumb or pacifier. Using charts or graphs to track the child's progress with a star each morning they wake up with a thumb/finger not in their mouth is a recommended way to help the child to quit sucking the thumb with an internal motivation. Another way to treat thumb and finger sucking is to alleviate the anxiety that is causing the child to suck their thumb. Covering the thumb/finger with a bandage or sock may help remind the child not to suck on the appendage at night. Fixed appliances may also be perscribed by Dr. Emery.
Source: How Do I Care for My Toddler's Teeth? (2012). In Colgate Oral and Dental Health
Resource Center. Retrieved June 4, 2012, from http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Popular-Topics/Oral-Care-for-Children/article/How-Do-I-Care-For-My-Toddlers-Teeth.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO, 63122
(314) 821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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