Is your Child a Thumb Sucker? Here is What You Must Do to Prevent It

Posted by Dr. Sunitha Prasad on October 30th, 2018

Thumb sucking is a stereotypical habit noticeable in most of the child. The practice that starts right from the womb in some cases may continue till teen years if not intervened on time. Thumb sucking may have benefits only until the age of six months as during these years it helps a newborn in developing jaw and mouth muscles. But beyond that time frame, it may lead to severe oral problems and impact the overall health. From breathing irregularities to teeth alignment, thumb sucking can cause a hell lot of difficulties for your child in his subsequent years.

If your child doesn’t start thumb sucking within three months of his birth, then he is likely not to have the habit at all. But once you notice it, as a parent, you must not ignore the sign and proactively take steps to stop it from becoming a habit. In most of the cases babies naturally leave the practice, but if they don’t, you must visit a dental clinic Rajajinagar for consultation and guidance.

Negative Outcome of Thumb Sucking   

What may appear enduring initially may become a serious concern if you don’t stop your child from continuing the habit of thumb sucking. Along with trying household remedies, you can also consult a dentist in Rajajinagar or your nearby area for professional guidance on the matter.

Here are some of the long-term consequences that your child may have to face later in their life because of thumb sucking:

• Your child’s jaw or palate may narrow down
• Airways may shrink
• Changes in breathing pattern
• Improper teeth shape and alignment
• Speech difficulties
• Problem in swallowing food
• Speech issues
• Face shape modification

Ways to Stop Thumb Sucking-   

If your child exceeds the age of six months with his/her habit of thumb sucking, then it’s a warning sign for you to take immediate measure to stop the practice. We have listed some of the proven techniques that can prevent addiction to thumb sucking:

• Start preventing your child at an early stage.
• Hold back your child’s hand when they have the urge to suck the thumb
• Introduce your child to tougher food immediately after completion of six months.
• Encourage your child to do some exercise program at home that helps in proper oral functioning
• Inform your child about the side effects of thumb sucking
• Keep your child’s hand busy by getting him engaged in activities such as painting, clay pottery, and others.
• Put a bandage or a glove on the finger at night while sleeping
• Use pacifier if your child is an infant   
• Praise your child’s effort to quit the habit
• Take your child to the dentist in Bangalore who specializes in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

Wrap Up!

Parents of children with thumb sucking habit must seek dentist consultation. You can visit India Dental World for booking dentist appointment or to get detail information on oral health issues a child may face and ways to prevent it.