3 Reasons Why Thumb Sucking is Bad for Teeth
Thumb sucking is a natural reaction for infants and young children. They usually suck on their thumb or fingers if they are a feeling anxious or insecure. By the time their first teeth erupt you want to decrease their thumb sucking habits. Sometimes focusing on the fact that your child is sucking their thumb can increase their desire to do so, instead try focusing and relieving the reason behind them sucking on their thumb. Thumb sucking can cause front teeth to stick out further then they should. Between the ages of two and four, teeth are forming and shaping. If your child always has something in their mouth pressing up against the teeth it can cause them to shift and move. Dr. Fuller states, “Depending upon the length of time your child sucks their thumb, and how vigorously can also make a difference on the severity of other problems they may face. Improper jaw alignment can occur if thumb sucking goes beyond the age of 2.” Consistent pres...