{"id":39,"date":"2022-12-09T20:55:48","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T20:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hamiltonpediatrics.ca\/blog\/?p=39"},"modified":"2023-01-10T14:56:26","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T14:56:26","slug":"is-thumb-sucking-bad-for-my-childs-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hamiltonpediatrics.ca\/blog\/2022\/12\/09\/is-thumb-sucking-bad-for-my-childs-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Thumb-Sucking Negatively Impact My Child\u2019s Oral Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Many parents want to know if thumb-sucking is harmful to a child\u2019s oral health<\/a>. It\u2019s natural to be curious, especially if your little one is continuing to practice this habit beyond their toddler years. The truth is that if it is allowed to continue, there could be potentially harmful effects that manifest through facial and oral development. A pediatric dentist explains why it\u2019s best to stop this habit before it becomes a serious problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Is Thumb-Sucking Bad?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Babies and toddlers often turn to pacifiers or their fingers\/thumbs to self-soothe. This is common and nothing to be worried about. However, there are reasons why you might find it more helpful to encourage your child to find comfort in alternative objects such as a stuffed toy or blanket (if they\u2019re old enough).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason thumb-sucking should be closely monitored and eventually stopped is because of the damage that can occur to a child\u2019s facial development. When engaging in this habit at the age of four, five, or six, the thumb presses against the back of the upper row of teeth. Over time, it can cause these pearly whites to protrude, resulting in an overbite or even an open bite, which means the front upper and lower teeth do not come into contact with each other when your child\u2019s mouth is closed. It can also cause what is known as \u201cbucked teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should these problems arise, you may notice that your child begins to have difficulty eating, speaking, or even breathing at night. They can also lead to a lack of self-confidence depending on the age of your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other potentially harmful issues that can occur include improper jaw and facial development, speech impediments, and mouth breathing, which is commonly linked to sleep-breathing disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can Be Done to Break the Habit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for ways to help your child break their thumb-sucking habit, the first step is to speak with their pediatric dentist and schedule an appointment. It is here that you will discover helpful tips to reduce and eventually stop the harmful practice before they reach the age of four. Stopping your child from sucking their thumb might seem like an impossible feat; however, there are ways to achieve success without causing them to become distraught, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n