Children's Dentist Colorado Springs Colorado and The Colorado Springs Black Forest Monument Woodland Park Palmer Lake Colorado Area.

Colorado Springs Dentist Powers Dental Group Family Dentistry

Powers Dental Group

5780 North Carefree Circle = Colorado Springs = CO 80917 = (719) 597-9737

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Is Thumb Sucking Bad for My Child’s Teeth?

Sucking is a natural reflex. Infants and most babies and young children use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It makes them feel secure and happy and provides a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep.

Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.

Children should cease thumb sucking by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.

Pacifiers are not a substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult your Powers Dental Group dentist.

A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb sucking:

Do not scold your child for thumb sucking. Praise him when he does not.
Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking.
Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide comfort.
Reward your child when he refrains from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents.
Your child's dentist will encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue.
A friendly reminder for your child can often help if they want to stop the habit. A Band-Aid on the thumb or fingers after school and a glove that is difficult to remove at night.

If these approaches don’t work, the dentist will be glad to work with you to create a program that will help to empower your child and motivate them to stop their habit.

Infant and Baby Thumb and Finger Sucking
In Colorado Springs Colorado and the surrounding
Black Forest - Monument - Woodland Park - Palmer Lake CO areas.