A Kid-Friendly Dentist Reveals Important Information About Child Thumb Sucking 

A kid-friendly dentist will tell you that if you have a child who sucks their thumb, there is no reason to panic, because it has a soothing and calming effect on them. Even though it is a common habit, it is one that you do have to wean your child off of, usually by the time they are three years old, to avoid damaging their palate and the development of their teeth.

Important information from a kid-friendly dentist about child thumb sucking

Why do babies suck their thumbs?

According to kid-friendly dentists, most babies suck their thumbs because they have natural sucking reflexes, which makes them likely to put their thumbs or fingers in their mouths like they did when they were in the womb. The act also makes them feel secure, which is why some babies tend to suck on their thumb when they want to be soothed or go to sleep.

How long do babies suck their thumb before growing out of it?

Most kids stop sucking their thumbs on their own by the time they are six to seven months old, while some do not stop until they are two to four years old. However, some babies return to the habit when they are feeling stressed.

Should parents stop their babies from sucking their thumbs?

Your kid-friendly dentist will tell you that children sucking on their thumbs is normal and you do not have anything to worry about in their first two to four years. However, once your child’s permanent teeth start to come in, the thumb sucking becomes a problem.

Thumb sucking after the permanent teeth begin to come in can lead to dental problems in the future because the sucking action pushes their front teeth forward and can cause bite problems. The thumb sucking can also affect the roof of the baby’s mouth and the way their teeth line up, depending on how intensely the child sucks their thumb.

Preventing children from sucking their thumbs

Since thumb sucking can lead to bigger dental problems when they get older, your kid-friendly dentist will tell you to try to get your child to stop sucking on their thumb by the time they are four years old, which can be easier said than done.

If you talk to your child about the thumb sucking but do not have any luck getting them to stop, you can try one of these techniques:

Positive reinforcement

You should set small goals for your child to try to get them to stop sucking on their thumb. If your child reaches a goal, you should praise and reward them with a small gift, like a trip to the zoo or reading them an extra bedtime story. You should keep track of how long your child goes without sucking on their thumb to monitor their progress.

Know their triggers

When it comes to thumb sucking, one of the tips that your kid-friendly dentist will provide is to tell you to identify the triggers that make your child suck their thumb. If it is a response to stressful situations, you can provide comfort for the child by reassuring them with words or giving them a hug.

Help them stay on track

Even when your child does not have to suck their thumb to deal with stress, some kids suck on their thumb without thought because it is a habit they are used to. When you notice your child sucking their thumb after they have stopped for a while, remind them to stop it without scolding them.

Conclusion

Thumb sucking is something many children do. For the most part, it is a harmless act that they will grow out of. However, if your child is still sucking their thumb at an age that they should have already stopped, talk to your kid-friendly dentist to get more tips on how to help the child give up the habit.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Kid Friendly Dentist.