Thumb Sucking Habit- Causes and Treatment

Breaking the Thumb Sucking Habit

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for children. Sucking on the thumb, fingers, or other objects may make babies feel secure and happy and help them learn about their world. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth.

It may cause any of the following:
Overbite, where the front teeth protrude out from the jawbone and mouth.
Other issues, such as bottom teeth tipping inward toward the back of the mouth or an open bite, where the top and bottom teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.
Changes in the shape of the jawbone can affect the alignment of the teeth, speech patterns, and even the development of lips.
Sensitivity of the roof of the mouth.

How to help your child stop thumb-sucking?
Praise your child not for sucking.
Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety and providing comfort to your child.
Remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night.
Your best dental clinic near Cunningham Road may prescribe you a bitter medication to coat the thumb or use a mouth appliance for a few months for the discontinuation of the habit. But never use any typical medicines without a doctor’s prescription. Contact us today.
There are various types of soft plastic or fabric thumb guards and shields available in the market that can be used to cover the thumb.