Thumb sucking for children at a young age should be discouraged because it can lead to misalignments in their smile and crooked teeth. Although most children go through thumb sucking phases, it should be treated swiftly to ensure later ailments do not result. Listed below are some keys to preventing thumb sucking:

– If your child continues to suck their thumb past an unhealthy age, their pediatrician can place a bitter-tasting substance on their thumbs to discourage thumb sucking.
– Thumb sucking can cause malocclusions and alter the alignment of teeth in a child’s mouth.
– Thumb sucking can also present outside bacteria to a child’s mouth, which can increase their likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.
– Children often use on thumb sucking as a security blanket to help them with security issues, so always strive to build confidence in your child, and praise them when they do not suck their thumbs.
– Although many individuals may see pacifiers as a positive alternative to thumb sucking, the truth is that pacifiers can create the same type of damage on the alignments of a smile.
– Children can slow and postpone the growth of their teeth by thumb sucking.

To schedule an oral exam for your child at LOL Dental & Orthodontics, simply book an appointment at our pediatric office in Crockett, Texas, with Dr. Nieku Manshadi and the rest of our team. We can be reached at 936.463.0162. Visit us today, and enjoy the season with a smile!