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Tag: finger sucking

Thumb Sucking And Concerns

Babies are born with the reflexivity to suck anything placed in their mouths. This behavior helps in the first few months after the diet is compiled and disappears in about four months. 

However, thumb sucking is not reflexive and is considered a calming practice. You can also look for the best thumb sucking prevention via https://www.amazon.co.uk/Age-2-7-Stop-Thumb-Sucking/dp/B00VQU2DZS.

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There are usually no long-term harmful effects of thumb sucking in childhood, and most children naturally give up the habit between the ages of 2 and 4. 

However, if thumb or finger suction continues past this age, it can alter the normal growth of the jaw and cause significant misalignment of the adult front teeth if they appear in the mouth.

Here are some tips on how to stop thumb sucking:

1.Rewards and encouragement in the form of a hug or compliment can reinforce their decision to end the habit.

2.Limit scolding as a child can become defensive.

3.Track calendar progress for each day or week the child does not suck a thumb or finger.

4.Give a special trip or toy as a gift.

5.Give reminders such as apply nail polish that tastes bad (offered by chemists) on their finger or thumb and wrap their thumb before going to bed.

6.Offer distractions, such as toys when traveling by car.

Various orthodontic appliances can be considered if all of the above conservative measures fail after discussing them with your orthodontist.

Five Possible Side-Effects Of Thumb Sucking

As children get older they can develop the habit of sucking the finger or thumb. Unfortunately, thumb sucking can have long-term negative side effects, if the habit persists after age four.  So, as a parent, you need to stop thumb sucking habits of your child. Possible side effects of prolonged or intense sucking thumb include the following five.

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1. Open Bite

Malocclusion is the permanent type of side effect of thumb sucking. Malocclusion is a categorical term that describes a misalignment of the tooth that is visible when the mouth is closed. The types of malocclusion caused by thumb sucking are overbite and an open bite.

2. Overbite

Overbite occurs when the teeth become outwardly. This misalignment is limited to the upper teeth. This means that the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. Overbite malocclusion can affect the shape of the face and smile.

3. Skin Problems

Children who suck their thumbs over the years may experience skin problems or serious harm. In some cases, the skin may crack and bleed. If your child is having major problems of the skin due to thumb sucking, you may need to discourage the behavior affected by the thumb bandaged, by placing tguard on the finger or thumb guard. 

4. Speech Impediment

Because thumb sucking affect the development of the teeth and jaw, the habit can also change the way your child eats and talks. Thumb sucking can cause speech disorders, including an inability to pronounce hard consonant sounds such as "D" and "T."

5. Social Issues

Children who suck their thumbs in public can become the target of ridicule. While thumb sucking is a habit of a normal childhood, the more your child grows, other people may judge to continue the habit.