Thumb sucking is a habit that frequently occurs in infants. Children usually give up thumb sucking by the age of 4, but some children keep up the habit even after this age. If the child continues past the age when their permanent teeth start to erupt, they may develop crooked teeth and a malformed roof of their mouth. This results from the frequency, duration, intensity and position of the digit in the child’s mouth. This can also affect the position of the upper and lower jaw and can also affect speech.
In order to promote optimal oral health, it is important to help children break this habit.
Suggestions to break the habit:
- Wait until the time is right (low stress)
- Motivate your child (show examples of what could happen to their teeth, fingers and thumbs)
- Use a reward system (small incentives will encourage your child to stick with it)
We invite you to call Austin Children’s Dentistry at 512-682-KIDS to learn more about thumb sucking and other habit breaking treatments in Austin, Hutto, Leander and Round Rock, Texas, and schedule your child’s appointment with our pediatric dentists. Our experienced team members can give you more information and guidance to help your child break this habit.
