Why Pediatric Dentists Advise Against Prolonged Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a fairly common habit among young children. Since most kids grow out of it within a few years, parents rarely have to intervene. If your child is still sucking their thumb when it comes time to go to kindergarten, your pediatric dentist will likely advise you to discourage it. Here are just a few reasons why the American Dental Association urges parents to stop the habit if their child hasn’t stopped by age 5.
3 Potential Consequences of Prolonged Thumb Sucking
1. Misaligned Bites
A minor bite issue can correct itself if the child stops thumb sucking at a reasonable age. However, those who continue to do so long after they turn 5 or 6 can develop a permanent underbite or overbite that requires orthodontic treatment. As long as your child visits a pediatric dentist every six months, you should know well in advance if they’re at risk of developing a permanent bite problem.
2. Speech Impediments
Constant thumb sucking can affect the development of the jawbone. Coupled with a misaligned bite, this can result in a lisp or other speech impediments. While therapy may be able to correct any speech issues, preventing them is preferable.
3. Constant Colds
Whenever children suck their thumbs, they’re exposing themselves to the many germs on their hands, increasing their risk of catching cold or illness. Although thumb sucking may not cause any major dental issues until the child is 5 or 6, even toddlers are at risk of getting sick from sticking their fingers in their mouth.
If you’re concerned about your child’s dental development because of prolonged thumb sucking, turn to Aina Haina Dental Group in Honolulu, HI. This family dentistry practice has been providing unparalleled oral care for patients of all ages across Oahu since 1976. These skilled professionals offer everything from teeth cleanings to root canal treatment, and they’re led by Dr. Keith W. Morikawa, DDS, who was awarded the title of “Best Dentist” by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser© in 2009. Call (808) 373-2184 to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist for your child, or visit their website for more information about their general dentistry services.