Almost 8 out of 10 parents would have faced this challenge of thumb sucking with their own children. Until 4 years, thumb sucking is considered as a normal habit. However, if your child thumb suck beyond 4 years then you might have to take advice from your pediatric dentist.
Consequences of thumb sucking:
Protruding Front teeth
When sucking their thumb, children often press their thumb against the part of the gum where their incisors emerge. Over time, this continuous pressure pushes the front teeth forward when they grow. Protruding front teeth are aesthetically unappealing and may make your child feel insecure about their appearance.
Open Bite
This means the two sets of teeth don’t touch even when your child shuts their mouth. It also causes irregular chewing pattern and discomfort.
Increases Vulnerability to Mouth Ulcers
Children that suck their thumbs are more likely to develop mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers can make a child avoid tooth brushing because it’s painful.
Promotes Mouth Breathing
When children suck their thumb during bedtime, then they fall asleep, they’ll likely sleep with their mouths open. This makes them breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. Mouth breathing can be dangerous because it introduces harmful pathogens that can harm the teeth and gums.
Increases Risks of Infections
One of the significant problems associated with thumb-sucking is the spread of bacteria and infection into a child’s body, weakening the immune system to fight against the bacteria and germs affecting oral and overall health.
Misalignment of Jaw and Teeth
The most negative side-effect of thumb-sucking is to cause misalignment of a child’s teeth and even jaw.
Sensitivity Issue in The Mouth
Another risk associated with thumb-sucking is damaging the nerves of the gum and teeth, creating sensitivity around the mouth and teeth with a hot and cold temperature contact such as hot tea, cold drinks, soup, etc.
All these consequences are preventable and treatable, if identified and assisted at the right age.
For more doubts on thumb sucking, walk-in to Kidznteenz/ call us @ 9791035666 and our expert Dr. Roshan Rayen and Dr. Hariharan would help you in the best way possible.
