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First of all, infants and young children have a natural reflex, and they actually begin to suck their thumbs while they are still in the womb. It’s soothing to your baby, and makes him feel secure and happy. As he gets older, he might develop the habit of sucking when he’s anxious or tired, and it may be combined with holding his favorite stuffed animal or security blanket.
When it becomes an issue:
Most children kick the habit by the age of two, which is not a concern for your infant dentist, because it doesn’t really harm teeth in children under four years old. Most of the time, being called a “baby” by the child’s peers will cause them to shake off the habit on their own. If your child gets to be three or four years old and is still thumbsucking, then he’s running the risk of damaging his baby teeth, especially if he already has an overbite or protruding upper gum. Because the thumb is forced against the backs of the upper front teeth, it can cause an overbite or worsen an existing one.
Tips to help them kick the habit:
● Comfort his anxiety. Children often suck their fingers when feeling insecure. When he is, focus on soothing the cause of his anxiety.
● Positively reinforce. Instead of scolding him for thumbsucking, offer praise when he doesn’t in a situation where he normally would.
● Recruit the dentist’s help. Your child’s pediatric dentist can encourage the child to stop sucking his thumb and explain what could happen to his teeth.
If you’re still having trouble, speak to a Phoenix dentist. Taking your child to a pediatric dentist will also ensure that your child’s baby teeth, and eventually their permanent teeth, are developing properly.
