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Does Your Child Suck Their Thumb?
Some people find it adorable when a baby sucks their thumb. Although that’s a normal occurrence, the continuation of the habit into the toddler and elementary school years of a child can negatively affect their oral and facial development.
How Thumb Sucking Causes Dental Issues
Thumb sucking can cause some children to create what’s commonly known as a dental open bite (a vertical space between the upper and lower teeth where the teeth do not touch). This open bite is a dental issue that’s most difficult to correct.
Other children will suck their thumb to the point that it appears that their top teeth are “sticking out”. This requires orthodontic treatment to correct. But the biggest issue that thumb sucking causes are changes to the bottom jaw that can affect its normal growth, negatively affecting the child’s face. This is caused by the thumb or finger preventing the lower jaw from coming forward and growing properly during thumb sucking.
The negative effects on the teeth and jaw depend on the frequency, intensity, and duration of the child’s sucking habit.
- Frequency is the number of times the child is sucking during the day.
- Intensity is the amount of force that’s applied to the teeth and jaw during sucking.
- Duration is the total amount of time spent sucking.
The more frequent, the more intense, and the longer the duration of the sucking habit, the more likely it is to affect the child’s developing oral structure and jaw.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Calkins
Dr. Liliana Calkins is a Specialist in Orthodontics and Craniofacial Orthopedics at Sunrise Orthodontics Facial & Airway Development Center. As an esteemed member of the International Academy of Orofacial Myology and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, she’s trained to address pediatric facial development issues resulting from thumb sucking. Schedule a consultation for your child by visiting www.airwayandsleepgroup.com.
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