Quite a few infants suck their thumbs or other fingers. This habit often begins in the womb, as many ultrasounds have shown. It’s an effective way for infants to comfort themselves, deal with stressful situations, and keep themselves pacified between meals among. Over time, though, it becomes more of an unconscious habit than a decisive action. The longer the habit goes on, the more difficult it is to break. At the same time, thumb sucking can cause a range of oral health issues that may leave a lasting impact on a child.
Reasons Thumb Sucking Detracts from Oral Health
Sucking thumbs or fingers may be cute and sweet when children are babies, but it can lead to a range of dental problems and other health issues down the road. Additionally, the longer a child sucks his or her thumb, the more difficult the habit is to break. It’s also important to point out that stopping an older child from sucking his or her thumb may be more traumatic than it would be as a toddler. Though a Family Dentist can help correct some of the resulting issues of prolonged thumb sucking, prevention is always the best medicine. Take a look at some of the key reasons thumb sucking isn’t doing your children’s oral health any favors.
Germs Running Amok
All the viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that could make their way onto a child’s hands shouldn’t be overlooked. Most of us don’t realize just how many germ-covered surfaces we touch every day, and children are particularly vulnerable to this problem. When they put their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated surfaces, they could be exposing themselves to numerous illnesses. It’s virtually impossible for children to wash their hands every time they touch something, so there’s little that can be done to control the germs that might be entering their mouths via their thumbs and fingers.
Malformations in the Roof of the Mouth
Thumb sucking has been proven to cause malformations in the roof of the mouth in older children. All the components that make up the roof of the mouth are specifically formed and positioned to help protect the nasal cavities while fostering speaking and chewing. Over time, sucking the thumbs or fingers can cause the roof of the mouth to change shape. This could lead to speech challenges, sinus issues, and other problems.
Bite and Alignment Problems
When children fail to break the thumb sucking habit by the age of five or so, it can lead to serious tooth alignment and bite problems. That means their teeth could be crooked or misshapen or their upper and lower teeth may not fit together properly. This could increase a child’s risk of developing speech impediments, chewing problems, tooth decay, and other issues. It may also greatly detract from their self-esteem later in life. Though those problems may correct themselves in younger children, that’s not always the case. More extensive measures, such as braces, are often required.
Maintaining Children’s Oral Health
Thumb or finger sucking is common among babies and toddlers. It’s also a difficult habit to break. After all, you can’t take away a child’s hand the way you would a bottle or pacifier. While it’s a comforting gesture for many children, the habit can also cause a range of problems, not the least of which is repeated illnesses, malformations of the roof of the mouth, and bite and alignment issues. It’s best to take steps to break the habit as early as possible to avoid difficulties later on.
