{"id":163,"date":"2021-09-17T20:19:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-17T20:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tictactooth.com\/blog\/?p=163"},"modified":"2021-10-19T20:27:36","modified_gmt":"2021-10-19T20:27:36","slug":"thumb-sucking-and-how-to-stop-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tictactooth.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/17\/thumb-sucking-and-how-to-stop-it\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Effects of Thumb Sucking on Your Child’s Oral Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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According to the American Dental Association, thumb sucking that stops before four years of age doesn’t cause permanent teeth or jaw problems. Though 85-99% of children finish before this period, allowing this habit to continue past this point can result in issues with their oral health. Here are some of the complications that prolonged thumb sucking can cause as well as some tips on how to get your child to break the habit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Your Child Sucks Their Thumb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your child is still under the age of four, it’s completely safe and normal for them to suck their thumb. Putting their fingers and other objects in their mouth is a way for them to explore and learn to understand the world around them. Some children also use thumb sucking as a source of comfort much like a blanket or a stuffed animal. Though many children stop this behavior on their own, some kids may increase or return to it when they’re stressed or anxious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dangers of Thumb Sucking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While no condition can be caused exclusively by thumb sucking, past the age of four, the constant suction and pressure can lead to oral health issues such as changes in the palate (the roof of the mouth) and jaw. It can also affect when the teeth erupt through the gums and how the teeth line up. It’s important to monitor this habit to avoid issues such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n