Thumb sucking is common among young children. Much like a pacifier, sucking on a thumb is soothing, which can make it a hard habit to break. If parents don’t intervene, though, this behavior can affect kids’ oral health. Here, a kids’ dentist from Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage explains how.  

How Thumb Sucking Affects Teeth 

Thumb sucking is perfectly normal and healthy for infants. As their teeth start to come in, though, continuous sucking can cause them to develop bite problems. Constant pressure on the gums can also prevent teeth from erupting when they should. When the teeth finally do, they may be misaligned. Severe cases of thumb sucking can jaw growth, too which will result in overcrowding. While braces may correct most of these conditions, the more severe cases require surgery to fix. 

When Children Should Stop Thumb Sucking 

Every child is different, but most stop sucking their thumbs between 2 and 4 years old. The longer they delay breaking the habit, the higher the risk of future bite problems. Ideally, kids will stop long before any permanent teeth erupt, which typically happens around age 6. Some kids can break this habit without incident while others struggle to find a different self-soothing tactic. Parents who are concerned about this behavior should ask their kids’ dentist or pediatrician for advice. 

Monitoring a child’s thumb sucking is important, but it’s not the only way parents can promote good oral health. Refrain from serving kids juice and sugary snacks and instill good oral hygiene habits. Most of all, get your child accustomed to visiting the dentist regularly by visiting a practice that specializes in pediatric dentistry. Children in Anchorage love visiting Alaska Dentistry for Kids. Dr. Chris Coplin provides comprehensive kids’ dental care in a positive, fun atmosphere. Visit their website to learn more, or call (907) 274-2525 to schedule a cleaning with a kids’ dentist today.