Both thumb sucking and pacifier use are common habits among infants and toddlers. While this habit is beneficial for calming a child, long-term thumb sucking or constant practice can negatively impact your child’s teeth development. If you’re having trouble curbing thumb sucking with your child, here’s a rundown on why dentists recommend making this a priority. 

Understanding How Thumb Sucking Can Affect Teeth

What Are the Negative Effects of Thumb Sucking on Children’s Teeth?

While thumb sucking can often help infants and toddlers relax, soothe themselves, or fall asleep, this practice should cease early to avoid risks to oral development. Should thumb sucking continue beyond the first few years, it can result in poor tooth alignment, delayed speech development, and palatal narrowing—a condition where the roof of the mouth does not grow properly due to the force of the thumb. In addition, ongoing thumb sucking can even lead to alterations in how your child swallows, callouses on the actual thumb, and bite problems that will need to be analyzed by your dentist. 

How & When Should You Curb the Habit?

Dentists recommend parents work to curb any thumb sucking before your little one’s permanent teeth begin to grow in. That being said, pacifier use often correlates with thumb sucking, and many parents find that weening a toddler off both around the time they begin speaking can be helpful.

Most general dentistry professionals recommend finding the source of the thumb sucking, whether it be boredom or the desire to alleviate anxiety or restlessness. Once you’ve identified triggers, talk to your little one and praise or reward them when they refrain from the habit. If the practice happens frequently around bedtime, consider putting mittens on their hands as they drift off to sleep.

It’s important to stay positive and remain encouraging during the process. As always, if you’re concerned about how the habit is affecting your child’s teeth, make an appointment with your dentist for a routine teeth cleaning so you can seek the guidance of a professional and receive an update on your child’s oral health. 

Locals throughout McCall, ID, and the surrounding areas have come to depend on Brian W. Charles, DMD for their general dentistry needs. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust this dentist to provide comprehensive service, whether your child needs a routine teeth cleaning or you’re interested in exploring dental implants to improve your own smile. To schedule an appointment at this top-notch dental office, call them today at (208) 634-7653 or visit their website for a better understanding of their state-of-the-art practices.