Breaking a child’s bad habits isn’t always easy, but it’s critical to stop some, like thumb-sucking, before they produce lasting damage. The pediatric dentists at Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD & Associates in Avon, OH, know techniques that can curb this behavior. Thumb-sucking is a common self-soothing method children learn as infants, and they may carry it into their toddler years when it can have an adverse effect on their oral health.

What Damage Does Thumb-Sucking Cause?

Many children wean themselves off thumb-sucking from ages 2–4, but others continue the behavior. Unfortunately, as kids’ dentists warn, it can negatively affect their mouth and teeth development.  

When a child’s permanent teeth start to come in, thumb-sucking can interfere with palate growth and the alignment of their teeth and jaw. The intensity of sucking is a factor, as children who passively rest a thumb in their mouth are less likely to have dental problems than those who suck vigorously.  

Pediatric Dentists’ Tips To Break The Habit

As with anything that becomes a habit, it’s hard to end the cycle but not impossible. Help your child find another way to calm and soothe themselves, such as a special blanket or stuffed toy they can hug. A reward system, such as a chart with stickers, can provide the motivation little ones need. If these methods fail, try distraction to get their mind off their desire to suck their thumb. 

If you follow these strategies, thumb-sucking will diminish as your child finds alternate ways to ease anxiety. If they are having a hard time breaking the habit, take them to meet with a pediatric dentist to discuss how thumb-sucking can impact their teeth; hearing someone besides mom or dad tell them the risks can be effective. The caring team at Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD & Associates can offer suggestions and discuss thumb-sucking with your child. Call (440) 934-0149 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online for information about a variety of pediatric dental care topics.