Effects of Thumb Sucking on Children

Thumbs sucking, fingers, pacifiers or other objects is a natural habit of children. These activities can make babies feel safe and happy and help them learn new things about their world.

Young children may also suckle to calm themselves and help them fall asleep.

How Does Thumb Sucking Affect Children's Teeth?

After permanent teeth come out, thumb sucking can cause problems with mouth growth and tooth alignment. This activity can also cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth.

Pacifiers can affect teeth in the same way as when sucking on fingers and thumbs, but often this habit is easier to break.

Suction intensity is a factor that determines the occurrence of dental problems. If children place their thumbs passively in their mouths without being sucked in, they are less likely to experience adverse effects than those who suck their thumbs more actively or more vigorously. Some aggressive thumb sucking activities can cause bad problems with their baby teeth.

When Will Children Stop Sucking Their Thumbs?

Children usually stop sucking between the ages of two and four, or when the permanent front teeth are ready to grow. If you notice a change in your child's milk teeth, or are worried about your child sucking their thumb, try consulting your dentist.

How Can My Child Stop Thumb Sucking?

• Praise your child for not sucking.

• Children often suck their thumbs when they feel unsafe or need comfort. Try to focus on these causes to address or eliminate the causes of anxiety and provide comfort to your child.

• For older children, involve them in choosing their own method of breaking the habit.

• Your dentist can provide encouragement, motivation and insight to your child and explain what can happen to their teeth if they don't stop sucking.

• If these tips don't work, remind your child of their habit by wrapping their thumbs or putting clean socks on their hands at night. The dentist may also place an attachment in your child's mouth to block this sucking activity.

If these tips don't work, remind your child of their habit by wrapping their thumbs or putting clean socks on their hands at night. The dentist may also place an attachment in your child's mouth to block this sucking activity.

Always consult your dental and oral health problems with the best dentists and dental clinics in Bali.

BIA Dental Center

Jl. Sunset Road No.86A, Seminyak, Badung, Bali Indonesia 80361.

+6282139396161