Did you know that thumb sucking can affect a child’s oral health and the way their teeth grow in? Thumb sucking is often seen as a seemingly innocent behavior, but it can have its consequences. Help your child overcome thumb sucking with these helpful tips:
– Children can slow and hinder the growth of their teeth by thumb sucking.
– Although many individuals may see pacifiers as a healthy alternative to thumb sucking, the truth is that pacifiers can wreak the same type of havoc on the alignments of a smile.
– Children usually rely on thumb sucking as a security blanket to help them with security issues, so always strive to build confidence in your child, and commend them when they do not suck their thumbs.
– If your child continues to suck their thumb past an unhealthy age, their pediatrician can prescribe a foul-tasting product to place on their thumbs to discourage thumb sucking.
– Thumb sucking can also relocate harmful bacteria into a child’s mouth, which can increase their likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.
– Thumb sucking can cause malocclusions and alter the alignment of teeth in a child’s mouth.
For a host of thumb sucking treatment options at Cenla Dentistry at our pediatric office in Pineville, Louisiana, please book an appointment with Dr. Honey Fiasconaro and our team by calling 318-640-3200. We look forward to hosting your child’s smile!
