Thumb Sucking: A Normal Trait, But an Orally Destructive One

Thumb Sucking: A Normal Trait, But an Orally Destructive One

24th November 2015

We can forgive the children for not looking after their teeth. After all, every tooth they have until the age of 12 is, in essence, expendable. But when thumb sucking comes into the fore, it may affect the future of their dental health. While it is a normal trait, every child has a potential to carry it to adulthood.

Implications

Apart from carrying a juvenile habit into old age, thumb sucking presents an immediate concern about children’s teeth. 80% of all infants suck on their thumbs, but it would be wrong to blame them for developing such a tendency. Even in the womb, doctors have already witnessed them doing the same thing. Simply put, they acquire the reflex due to suckling. As you know, babies get most of their sustenance from their mothers’ breasts and their pacifiers.

As for its effects on teeth, it cultivates an open bite among children. There is still time to self-correct it, but more often than not, it already requires an orthodontist’s assistance. Furthermore, they are also likely to develop tongue thrusting. It does not sound much, but when the jaw and dentition constantly receives nocuous force, it may need corrective surgery in the future.

Non-Dental Consequences

We hope you will prevent your children from establishing thumb sucking in the long term. On top of teeth problems, it causes speech problems and skin issues. These conditions do not manifest naturally, and it is unfortunate when it occurs. Usually, speech problems from thumb sucking revolve around mispronunciation. On the other hand, the skin problems it can cause on the thumb include blisters and calluses.

If they start acquiring teeth-compromising quirks early, then you should start helping them take care of their teeth. Bring them to Denchic Dental Spa to receive quality dental services from our team.

Contact us for more details.