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The Truth About Thumbsucking
Added: (Thu Jul 02 2009)
Almost everyone goes through some kind of thumbsucking stage when they were babies. Actually, it’s a behavior that’s observable not just in humans but also in chimpanzees and other primates. Also, thumbsucking is not limited to thumbs because some use their toes, knuckles, or any other part of the body within reach.
According to San Diego cosmetic dentists, although thumbsucking is normal, it shouldn’t be encouraged and there should be a time when the child is actively encouraged to stop this habit. Experts of San Diego cosmetic dentistry says that thumbsucking might lead to dental and speech problems. It is important to be able to understand this habit in order to be able to wean the child from this habit.
The first question that must be answered is why children thumbsuck. Even at birth, babies will reflexively suck anything that’s near its mouth. This sucking reflex disappears at around four months but some continue the habit much longer. Beyond the reflex, children suck their thumbs because they find it soothing and therapeutic. Most babies are lulled to sleep with their thumbsucking.
According to a San Diego cosmetic dentists, sucking may especially cause problems once the permanent teeth comes in because it will affect the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. The more vigorously a child sucks, the more dental problems he or she might have. Below are some of the common problems caused by thumbsucking:
* The upper front teeth are pushed forward and the lower front teeth are pushed backward.
* The roof of the mouth or palate will be pushed upwards causing a range of problems including speech problems.
* Narrows the dental arches.
* Reshape the jawbone.
* Misalign the teeth.
Below are tips from the American Dental Association in getting your child to stop thumbsucking.
* Praise the child for not thumbsucking instead of scolding him or her when he or she does.
* Focus on the cause of anxiety and provide comfort to the child if he or she is thumbsucking because of these feelings.
* Provide fun activities if thumbsucking is due to boredom.
* Involve older children in finding ways and solutions to stop a younger child from thumbsucking.
* During the next dental visit, ask the dentist to explain why it is important to stop thumbsucking.
* If nothing works, consider putting a glove, bandage, or sock on the hand or thumb of the child.