Babies generally suck anything they hold on. Nearly one-third of the babies suck their thumb. This is a common behavior among the children as it gives a comforting zone and gives them a peaceful sleep. Most of the children give up this habit around 2 years of age. But, if your child still couldn't get rid of this habit even after years, then it is something you should really be concerned about.
Complications on thumb sucking
If your toddler continues with the habit, it might affect the jaw or even cause misalignment of the teeth. Following are some common problems which arise when thumb sucking is left blind.
1. Jaw Problems
Continuous thumb sucking may cause a change in the palate or jaw, which also affect the facial structure of your child. This can be cured easily by consulting an orthodontist or even it can be prevented when you notice the change in your kid at the earliest.
2. Trouble speaking
Thumb sucking may lead to speech disorders like lisping, or they might even find difficult to pronounce few hard consonants like "D" and "T".
Speech impediments make it hard for your children to communicate effectively, which in turn gives an inferiority complex and even raise their stress, anxiety.
3. Open bite
Open bite occurs normally when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the jaws are closed. An aggressive thumb sucking leads to Open bite, which definitely needs an orthodontic treatment to your child in the future.
Hence, prevent your child from thumb sucking beforehand.
4. Skin and Nail infection
The skin of those thumbs which is fully engaged in the mouth may get infected and get chapped.
Here are the ways you can help your child to overcome thumb sucking
1) Stay positive and motivated
A Positive brace is the best solution for any problem. Likewise, keep motivating your child for not sucking their thumbs. And also reward some small surprising gifts if they didn't suck it for the entire day.
2) Find the Triggering point
Generally, children suck their thumb out of anxiety, loneliness or when they starve. Figure out the exact reason that triggers your kid and give them the right solution. For example, if they do it out of loneliness, engage them into some activity or take them out.
3) Remind them often
If your kid sucks the thumb without knowledge, rather than scolding or threatening give them some gentle reminders to stop it. If your infant is at the age of understanding things, make them know about the difficulties they would face it in the future.
Can Dentists help?
If you couldn't stop your kid on your own, then seek help from a dentist nearby. A chat with a dentist will make your child realize its seriousness. If you are around Chennai, I would suggest visiting Locus Dental Care in Chennai.
This dental clinic in Ashok Nagar is specialized in pediatric dentistry and holds special concern on your children.
