Last Updated on: 5th December 2024, 08:30 am

The action of sucking is an innate instinct of human beings;thanks to it children learn to feed themselves. It is quite normal to see a baby sucking his thumb as  part of his natural reflexes, but when this habit remains for too long, it will bring problems in the development and growth of the teeth and their adjacent structures. So, how can we prevent our children  sucking their fingers past the normal stopping time?

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THUMBSUCKING

This habit is defined as any behavior done repeatedly and often unconsciously. Thumbsucking  is a common habit for most children as it helps them feel calm and secure, but the habit leaves between the age of 2 to 4 years. When thumb sucking persists, it becomes a negative habit because between this age the child has full growth of  the front teeth, jaws, and the development of their perioral musculature. Thus, thumbsuckinga series of health problems that if they persist may become irreversible. The sucking of pacifiers or bottles can produce similar effects on the teeth, but this habit is easier to correct.

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CONSEQUENCES OF THUMBSUCKING

The persistence of thumbsucking in children leads to the development of a series of problems for their health, causing negative effects that if not stopped and treated in time can become irreversible. We must also consider the intensity and frequency of the habit; depending on this,the alterations in occlusion and development will be more marked. The consequences of thumb sucking are:

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HOW DO YOU PREVENT A CHILD FROM SUCKING HIS OR HER THUMB?

Take into consideration the following advice given by the American Dental Association (ADA):

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CONTACT US

If you have any questions about this topic or any other, please feel free to contact or visit us at Channel Island Family Dental.

At Channel Island Family Dental, we will be attentive to your visit and make a timely diagnosis.  In addition, our dentist in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park o Port Hueneme will  guide you to the best treatment to bring back your best smile.

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