Thumb Sucking and Dental Care
I know I have posted on thumb and finger sucking before, but February is National Children's Dental Health month so I thought I'd post about it again. Although many children suck their thumb or finger at some point, it is definitely a habit to watch as it can cause permanent structural problems if allowed to continue too long. How long is too long?
Most studies suggest that children who suck their thumb or finger through the age of three or four are fine and have probably not caused any permanent structural issues. If the child continues to suck their thumb or finger until the age of eight to twelve, they will be more likely to need active dental help in the form of orthodontics.
Signs that a child is attached to sucking their thumb or finger include calluses on the digit being sucked, tongue thrusting forward when swallowing, and slight speech impediments such as a lisp. The permanent effects of thumb/finger sucking may include narrowing of the upper arch, flaring out of the upper front teeth, crowding on the lower arch (which may delay the eruption of some teeth), crossbite, altered facial growth, and speech problems.
Not only should finger and thumb sucking be addressed because of the potential for structural issues but the structural deformities may cause insecurities and self-esteem problems. Finger and thumb sucking should be addressed earlier rather than later.
Source: http://dental-articles.dentalclinicmanager.com/thumb-sucking.html
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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