Babies and very small children possess a natural reflex to suck on their thumbs, fingers or a pacifier. This is a soothing technique that helps them to relax and can even help a restless child get to sleep. This isn’t dangerous but can pose some pretty significant dental issues if it persists for too long. Children should be weaned from thumb-sucking and pacifiers when their teeth start developing to avoid these problems in their future.
What problems can arise from something as seemingly benign as thumb-sucking? Continue reading to learn why now might be a great time to wean your little one of this behavior.
If your child is younger than four, chances are they have not yet damaged their teeth with thumb-sucking or pacifier use. It is around the age of five or six that most parents will begin to notice changes in their child’s mouth. Some problems might not be addressed until the child’s next dentist appointment.
The issues that arise from thumb-sucking over the age of five include, but are not necessarily limited to:
As you can tell, these issues are not small problems. Many of them will require advanced dental care to remedy when the child is older, including braces. While it may be challenging to put an end to pacifiers and thumb-sucking, your child will be grateful for a healthier and more even smile later in life.
Try implementing these ideas in your home when it comes time to wean your child of thumb-sucking and/or pacifiers.