At What Age Might Thumb Sucking Cause a Dental Problem

In this session, we have come with the Children’s dentistry in Lara. The big question is, at what age might thumb-sucking cause a dental problem?

Many parents come to our dentists in Lara with questions about their child’s dental development and health. A topic that comes up, again and again, is children’s thumb-sucking or using dummies. Here’s what you need to know.

Babies: Thumb-sucking is a natural for babies 

You do not need to worry about your baby’s thumb sucking. In infants and young children, thumb sucking, or sucking on fingers or other objects is a natural reflex that can actually begin before birth. Sucking is an important reflex as it helps babies to feed. Usually, babies suck on their fingers or thumbs to fall asleep or soothe themselves. Most children stop sucking their thumbs or fingers by the age of four, some by the time they start school. 

Children with teeth: Thumb-sucking may be an issue

Thumb-sucking is a concern in older, school-aged children around the age of 5 or 6 when they have all their teeth. Some dentists believe it is not a concern until their permanent teeth (adult teeth) come in. At this stage of a child’s development, excessive thumb-sucking may cause issues with their teeth alignment or the roof of the mouth (the palate).

When is thumb-sucking most likely to cause dental problems?

It is important to note that thumb-sucking does not always lead to dental problems. Factors such as frequency and intensity play a major role in whether or not the habit is harmful. Children who suck their thumbs or fingers vigorously, long-term or frequently are more at risk. 

Dental problems caused by thumb-sucking 

Some dental and mouth problems that may be caused by thumb-sucking habits include the following:

• Misaligned teeth
• Misaligned bite
• Palate issues
• Speech problems such as developing a lisp
• Overbite 
• Overjet (protruding upper teeth)
• Incorrect tongue position

How to help your child stop thumb-sucking

It is highly recommended by dentists that parents take a gentle approach in addressing their children’s thumb-sucking habits. If you have read all of the above and are still unsure if you should be worried about your child’s thumb-sucking, schedule a children’s dental check-up with our dentist in Lara, and we can provide you with some advice for your child’s situation.

At home, some strategies you can use to encourage your child to reduce and quit thumb-sucking by:

• Using positive reinforcement i.e rewards and behaviour chart
• Applying a bitter nail polish 
• Use a finger guard
• Having an honest, understanding conversation with your child

Of course, if you feel you have tried everything to no avail, you can get more support and suggestions from our childrens dentists in Lara.

When to see a children’s dentist in Lara

For any concerns related to children’s dental health, our Lara dentists encourage parents to get in touch with the clinic as soon as possible. This way, we can address and treat dental problems early so that they do not cause lasting issues. Dazzling Smiles offers a full range of childrens dentistry in Lara. We are a family-friendly practice focused on preventative dental care and forming supportive relationships with our patients and their families.To book a children’s dentistry appointment, contact our friendly reception on (03) 5282 2222 or make a booking online at our website.