Thumb sucking and Teeth

Thumb sucking is a very common childhood habit which occurs in around 80% of children.

Sucking is one of a child’s natural reflexes and is used not only as a comfort but also when they are cold, tired, bored and hungry.

Although thumb sucking is a very common occurrence, it can be concerning to parents as it can cause the upper front teeth to become more prominent. This is not too worrying if the child still has their milk teeth, however if the child has now got their adult teeth it can mean that orthodontic treatment is needed to correct the misalignment.

It is important to try and discourage thumb sucking while the child still has their milk teeth. Most children give up this habit during their toddler years, however around 15% of children are still thumb sucking over the age of four.

How to get a child to stop thumb sucking.

• Keep the child’s hands occupied with books, toys and puzzles.
• Carefully remove your child’s thumb from the mouth during sleep
• Talk about the ‘bad germs’ that are on our hands and how they are put into the mouth during thumb sucking.
• Reward the child for not thumb sucking
• Try to avoid punishing or embarrassing the child.

If you are worried about your child’s teeth due to thumb sucking, contact our Dentist in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire for an appointment.