The Oyster Bay Family Dentists care for patients of all ages, including young children. Many first-time parents worry that their child’s thumb sucking habit could harm their oral health, and we want to educate them about the possible consequences.
Thumb sucking is common in most children under four and will probably not have a lasting effect. These children’s facial bones are still flexible. However, if a child keeps on sucking their thumb (or a pacifier) after beginning to lose their baby teeth, there could be serious problems, including tooth or jaw misalignment and damage to the shape of the tooth ridges or roof of the mouth.
Children suck their thumbs as a means of soothing themselves. If a child is old enough for their habit to be dangerous, hopefully it will be possible to explain to them why the dentist is concerned and include them in finding ways to break the habit. However, children with deep-seated anxiety may develop an equally harmful practice of pushing their tongue against their front teeth. In these cases, there are orthodontic devices which can discourage tongue-thrusting, but it may be necessary to consult with a child psychologist.
Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit OysterBayDentists.com and fill out a contact sheet.
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