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Thumb-sucking is a natural reflexive behavior for many babies. As they grow into toddlers, they may continue this habit to comfort themselves. While thumb-sucking is normal in young children, it does pose potential concerns for toddler and infant oral health and development.

Issues Caused by Thumb-Sucking

If a child sucks their thumb in the first few months of life and naturally stops on their own, there is little risk to infant oral health. But if it continues, especially past the age of four, it could change how the mouth and teeth grow.

The intensity of the sucking motion plays a role as well. A child who gently rests their thumb in their mouth will see fewer adverse effects than a child who aggressively sucks, which puts pressure on the mouth and gums.

Long-term thumb-sucking can lead to the front teeth protruding outward, preventing the jaw from opening and closing effectively and the teeth from touching. Over time, this makes for an uncomfortable bite and alters the shape of the jawbone. Once the jawbone is misaligned, permanent teeth are susceptible to growing in crooked.

Prevention Tips

infant oral healthMost children will stop thumb-sucking on their own, usually before four years old. If you notice your child sucking their thumb beyond that age, take steps to minimize the behavior. When you see your child is not sucking their thumb, give them plenty of praise. Thumb-sucking is often a coping mechanism to deal with fear or anxiety. Talk to your child about how they're feeling, and offer alternative comforts, such as giving a hug, reading a story together, or providing a stuffed animal for them to hold.

 

If you're concerned about the possible impact of your child's thumb-sucking, visit the pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates. For over 25 years, they’ve provided child, toddler, and infant oral health care to patients throughout Oahu and Maui. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 487-7933 for the Aiea location, (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, and (808) 877-0066 for Kahului, or visit them online to get new patient forms.

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