Pacifiers and thumb-sucking have a direct impact on the growth of baby teeth. These habits significantly affect your kid’s overall dental health. Unfortunately, these habits of kids can lead to multiple dental issues while they grow older. These issues include orthodontic problems such as crossbite and open bite.
Thankfully, you can treat any alignment-related issues your child has with early intervention. If you want your kid to have healthier teeth, then consult with a reliable pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Find your kid’s treatment options to reduce the impact of thumb-sucking and pacifiers at children’s dental in Mesa, AZ.
Potential Dental Issues from Thumb Sucking Habits
Studies have indicated that approximately 70% to 90% of children engage in non-nutritive sucking behaviors, such as thumb sucking or pacifier use. Here are the problems caused by these habits:
Front Teeth Protrusion
The front teeth may protrude as a result of thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use. Children who have protruding front teeth may find it difficult to close their mouth and lips comfortably, which can lead to speech issues and increase the chance of front teeth trauma or injury.
Bite Open
When the teeth do not meet, your child’s bite is open. This misalignment may result in issues with speech or swallowing.
A Crossbite
Frequent thumb-sucking may cause the upper teeth to fit into the lower teeth. If a crossbite is not fixed, the jaw may move to one side, leading to uneven jaw development and potential dental problems.
Changes in Palate
Long-term sucking can change or malform the roof of the oral palate, which might impact the child’s speech and eating habits.
Speech Barriers
Speech problems, such as lisps and other articulation problems, can result from palate alterations and misalignments.
How to End Your Child’s Thumb-sucking Habit?
Between the ages of two and four, children frequently cease sucking their thumbs or using pacifiers. There are a few ways to break the oral fixation, though, if the behavior continues.
Bandages or Wraps: To prevent your child from placing their hand in their mouth as they sleep, loosely wrap their finger with an elastic bandage at night.
Remove the Pacifier: If your child is still taking a pacifier and is between the ages of three and four, you can use scissors to remove the rubber tip, breaking the suction seal and removing the calming effect.
Speak with Your Orthodontist: Speak with your orthodontist if alternative techniques are unable to address the oral fixation. In addition to preventing future jaw issues, some dental appliances may help stop your child from sucking on their fingers.
Book an Appointment With Our Pediatric Dentist
Are you worried about your kid’s oral health due to thumb-sucking? If yes, and you want to find a solution, then you can come to the right place. Our pediatric dentist has many years of experience dealing with such issues. We provide orthodontic services to cure the damage done by these common habits among kids. At Sun Valley Pediatric Dentistry – Mesa, we offer a child-friendly environment with compassionate care for your child. Book an appointment with us and visit our dental office to get the best solution for your child.