Children can pick up many habits. The one that seems
harmless at first can soon grow into a huge issue says pediatric dentist Chicago, Dr. Kevin Boyd, D.D.S. The habit is
thumb sucking of course. When children are really young it is cute, but at
what age does it stop being cute and is beginning to be a problem?
First
lets take a look at why they might be doing this. There is something
about sucking your thumb that is very comforting says the pediatric dentist Chicago. It makes the child
feel secure, especially at nighttime. Let's not forget that they always
have it on hand.
Children
who suck their fingers and or thumb are at a much greater risk of
altering their teeth. The reason being that children’s teeth, up to age
5, are very movable and are not set in says the pediatric dentist Chicago. You might be wondering why it
even matters. Their teeth are just going to fall out, so what is the big
deal. Well, people don’t realize this, but your permanent teeth actually
follow the lead of your baby teeth. If they are pushed forward from
thumb sucking, then your permanent teeth will follow.
This
problem with thumb sucking can be very costly as well. If you don’t
have dental insurance it can really be expensive.. There are ways to get your child off this
disruptive habit. There are several ways to stop this says the pediatric dentist Chicago. There is nail polish that has a bitter unsatisfying
taste that will make this comforting urge less appealing. And that is an
understatement; the polish is gross and will deter your child from
practicing.
If
you can get your child to stop before age 4, there is a good chance
their teeth will realign and get back in working order. If they
continue, there will almost always be a negative result. The so-called
“buckteeth” are the most common issue involved with thumb sucking. Not
only does this effect your child’s bite, it could also give them self
esteem issues that could impact them for the rest of their lives.
Dr. Kevin Boyd, D.D.S.
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