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Dr. William Moore
500 North Columbia Rver Hwy, Suite 505
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Why Thumb Sucking is a Bad Habit


Posted on 4/20/2015 by William Moore

Baby sleeping while sucking his thumb.As a parent, it can be comforting to know that your child has found a way to pacify himself, but when that method is thumb sucking, it should be a cause for concern. Because thumb sucking is typically a habit that goes on for many years rather than being a short-term habit, it can wreak havoc on a child's oral health. Understanding the consequences of long-term thumb sucking can give you the initiative you need to help your child stop this habit.

The Consequences of Thumb Sucking

There are two consequences that children can face as a result of long-term and frequent thumb sucking: a crooked bite and poor speech. Both of these issues can be detrimental to a child, especially as they hit school age and are around more kids that are likely to poke fun at him/her. Whether your child suffers from teeth that stick out, excessively crooked teeth or a tongue that is not properly positioned as a result of being thrust forward for so long, it can be embarrassing. He can suffer from:

• An embarrassing smile
• A speech impediment
• Excessive tooth decay due to crooked teeth
• Weak teeth that break easily

If your child sucks his thumb and he is over 1 years old, we can help you determine the best way to put an end to the habit. The earlier that you nip it in the bud, the easier the habit is to break. Even though it might seem cruel, your child will find other ways to pacify himself that are less detrimental to his oral health.

Want more information on thumb sucking? Contact us today!
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St. Helens Pediatric Dentistry, 500 N Columbia River Hwy, Suite 505, St Helens, OR 97051 ^ (503) 396-4750 ^ sthelenspediatricdentistry.com ^ 9/4/2024 ^ Tags: Pediatric Dentist St Helens OR ^