Maintaining oral health is essential, especially for children. Their oral hygiene habits and health lay a foundation for their dental wellness into adulthood. Parents are always keen to ensure that kids grow up comfortably and healthy. Some habits like thumb sucking are common in children, and the main concern is when it will stop.
It is natural for babies to want to hold onto or suck something. As they explore their new surroundings, they begin by putting everything into their mouths. The dangers of thumb sucking increase as they grow older. It becomes a solution for various feelings such as restlessness, fear, hunger, etc. Many parents are concerned with the habit and the possible effects it has on a child. For this reason, they are forced to use teething toys or pacifiers to regulate emotions in their children. The truth is, very little is needed to stop this habit. However, without proper guidance, there are cons to thumb sucking. Some of the dangers of thumb sucking include:
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the incorrect alignment of teeth when the jaw closes. It is usually visible when the mouth is closed. Thumb-sucking causes misalignment of teeth. The two most common types of malocclusion include overbite and open bite.
- Open Bite
Open bite occurs when the teeth are directed outwards gradually. The front teeth don’t touch when a child closes their mouth. This is one of the most serious side effects of this habit.
- Overbite
Like open bite, this condition is caused when teeth are directed outwards. However, it is confined to teeth in the upper jaw, meaning that the upper teeth are directed further than the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Overbite affects the facial structure of the affected individual and affects the smile.
These conditions can be treated through orthodontic treatment. Complex situations require extensive orthodontic care. In some cases, headgear is required during treatment.
Skin complications
The thumb that is exposed to sucking can develop skin problems. After many years of sucking, the skin can become vulnerable to harm after being exposed to the moisture from the mouth. The thumb is also susceptible to infection when the skin bleeds or cracks. One of the most common solutions to this problem is bandaging the affected thumb and using a medical finger glove to protect the thumb.
Speech impediment
Thumb sucking affects the facial structure and dental functionality of a child. This said, it consequently affects the ways a child speaks and eats. Malocclusion may cause several speech impediments, including lisping and the inability to pronounce hard consonants like ‘T’ and ‘D,’ among others.
Makes it difficult for a child to socialize
Thumb sucking may make the child frustrated, angry, and feeling isolated. Apart from posing a potential risk to your child’s oral health, thumb sucking causes social issues. They become a target for bullying and ridicule, affecting their self-esteem. Since it is a subconscious remedy for boredom and stress in children, feeling isolated may support the habit.
As you work to ensure that your child stops the habit, it is essential to know that it is a normal behavior in children and can be stopped easily. North View Dental offers all dental services and are always available for your questions. Don’t hesitate to call if you require professional assistance.