A lot of little kids feel better when they suck their thumbs or use a pacifier. Most of the time, these habits are not harmful and help people feel safe during times of stress or change.
Long-term thumb sucking or pacifier use, on the other hand, can hurt a child’s oral growth in ways that parents do not mean. Should you be worried about your child’s oral hygiene, you might want to talk to a dentist in Plainville, Massachusetts, for advice and help.
Understand the potential risks.
A child’s teeth and mouth are constantly being pushed against when they suck their thumb or a toy. This pressure can cause a number of problems with your teeth.
- Misaligned teeth: When you use a pacifier or thumb sucking for a long time, the upper front teeth can move forward, and the upper jaw can move outward, which can cause an open bite or a crossbite. When you close your mouth, the front teeth do not touch in an open bite. The top teeth bite into the bottom teeth, making a crossbite.
- Jaw problems: These habits can also stop the jaw from growing properly, which could cause it to be underdeveloped or out of place.
- Speech problems: Sucking on your thumb or using a pacifier can sometimes make it hard to learn how to place your tongue properly, which can cause speech problems.
- Risk of teeth decay: Constant sucking can make teeth rot more likely, especially if the pacifier is dipped in something sugary.
- Mouth sores: Sucking too much can hurt the mouth and cause sores or calluses to form on the fingers or hands.
It is important to remember that by the time they are four, most kids have grown out of these habits on their own. But if your child keeps sucking their thumb or using a pacifier after this age, you should talk to their doctor or dentist.
Encourage positive change.
It can be hard to break any habit, but there are ways to help your child stop sucking their thumb or sucking on a pacifier.
- Positive reinforcement.
You can use positive reinforcement to help your child fight the urge to suck their thumb or use their pacifier. Reward them every time they wait.
This kind of good feedback can encourage them to keep working hard. For every good day or week, you could use an award plan or a small treat.
- Get help from an expert.
If you are having trouble getting your child to stop the habit, do not be afraid to get help from an expert. Your doctor or dentist can give you good help, and they might even suggest certain methods or strategies.
- Find other ways for them to feel comforted.
Give your child more than one way to feel safe and comfortable. One way to do this is to spend valuable time doing fun things like reading, cuddling, or listening to relaxing music.
- Set gentle limits.
Talk to your child about how much they can chew on their thumbs or use a toy. You could, for instance, only do these things at certain times of the day or in certain places, like before bed.
- Make it a team effort.
Help your child break the habit by being a part of it. Make sure they understand why it is important to pause and make a plan that works for both of you.
Remember that it takes time and patience to break a habit. During the process, be there for your child and understand what they are going through.
Also, celebrate their wins along the way. You can help your child break bad oral habits and promote healthy oral development by working together and giving them a loving and caring space.
