Kids suck their thumbs due to several factors. Some naturally indulge in this habit to soothe themselves when they’re stressed or just for excitement when they’re happy. Many parents invest in teething toys, pacifiers, and other gadgets to regulate their kid’s emotions.
Although thumb sucking may appear to be a normal habit, it can negatively affect your kid if it persists. As your child grows, you should address this habit, otherwise, they may suffer for a better part of their childhood. Pediatric Dentistry Scottsdale offers several solutions for thumb sucking habits. Contact one of these dentists today if you need a lasting solution to your kid’s thumb sucking habits. Here’s why you should be worried about your child’s thumb sucking habit:
1. Speech Disorder
Speech disorders can make it challenging for your kid to communicate effectively. The constant presence of a thumb in a child’s mouth affects how the palate, jaw, and teeth develop. It can also impact your child’s speech and eating mannerisms. Your kid’s tongue needs to constantly move to enable them to form speech. Unfortunately, thumb sucking can disrupt this process and cause your child to have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. In some cases, they may only mumble.
Speech therapy may be recommended to correct speech disorders. However, they may not offer a lasting solution. This is partly because the problem may be caused by the shape and alignment of your child’s teeth. Pediatric dentists can examine your child’s condition and offer the best solutions. Depending on how severe the issue is, they’ll recommend solutions that will minimize your kid’s frustration levels and cause them to have confidence in their ability to express themselves.
2. Breathing Problems
Proper breathing is vital for your kid’s overall health and development. Breathing enables the body to receive the oxygen it needs to perform various functions. Unfortunately, thumb sucking can disrupt this process and cause your kid to have several issues. There’s a link between the oral and respiratory function. When your kid constantly sucks their thumb, they may affect the sinus passages and the nasal structure, leading to mouth, breathing, and other respiratory issues.
A pediatric dentist may recommend assistive devices to help your child refrain from the habit. Through these gadgets, your kid will learn how to breathe properly, eliminating the risk of suffering from serious respiratory complications.
3. Open Bite
One of the more visible results of consistent thumb sucking is an open bite. This condition occurs when the thumb creates pressure against the front teeth, causing them to misalign. The misalignment may create a gap between the upper and lower teeth even when your kid closes their mouth completely.
An open bite can impact the aesthetics of your child’s smile, their facial structure, and their oral health. The gap between the upper and lower teeth may also make proper chewing or biting difficult. Additionally, it can cause jaw misalignment, paving the way for orthodontic complications in the future. Pediatric dentists know the right orthodontic treatment to administer to correct open bites. If your kid’s jaw and teeth are misaligned, they can also correct them to prevent more complications.
Summing Up
Thumb sucking may appear harmless, but it could lead to other serious issues if it’s not addressed quickly. Every parent’s role is to guide their children towards healthier habits. A pediatric dentist can provide the support your child needs to stop thumb sucking and develop good oral health habits.
