Dental advice for children : Thumb-sucking

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THE HABIT...Thumb sucking is one of the most common habits during childhood. Most children suck their thumb for safety even before birth.

WHEN IT BECOMES
A PROBLEM ?

Although thumb sucking is a normal habit it can cause serious teeth problems if it continues after teeth eruption.

The problem gets serious if it continues after the age of four, when the permanent teeth are about to appear.

In some cases sumbsucking is substituted by another dangerous habit as placing pencils between the teeth or biting the lips.

THE DANGER

If the child doesn't stop thumbsucking in time, it is possible some teeth to get misplaced and require orthodontal treatment.

HOW TO STOP Usually children stop the habit on their own.
If they don't :

Keep the child's hands occupied (e.g. with a toy)

Ask the advice of a pediatric dentist.

Give the example of his friends that have stopped thumbsucking.

Don't put the child in a state of anxiety or fear.

Avoid punishing the child. That might have the opposite result.