At A New Smile Dental Center, we understand the concerns surrounding thumb sucking in children. That’s why we offer you a unique and personalized approach to address this common behavior.
Thumb sucking is a natural instinct in babies and toddlers. It often provides them with a sense of comfort and security. In some cases, it can even start in the womb.
However, it’s crucial to monitor and manage thumb sucking to ensure your child’s tooth development and long-term oral health.
At A New Smile Dental Center, we understand the concerns surrounding thumb sucking in children. That’s why we offer you a unique and personalized approach to address this common behavior.
Our children’s dentist offers assessment and treatment for thumb sucking, along with our complete children’s dental care services. Visit us today for exceptional children’s dentistry in Miami, FL.
The Reasons Behind Thumb Sucking
In young toddlers and babies, thumb sucking is a natural behavior. It serves various purposes such as:
- Helping them feel secure
- A self-soothing method to alleviate distress
- Relaxation, helping them to sleep
- To alleviate boredom
- Emotional regulation when faced with changes
While thumb sucking is common in infants, knowing when this behavior should come to an end is less clear. A pacifier that can be removed, but breaking the thumb sucking habit can be more challenging. While many children naturally outgrow it, it can lead to several oral health issues if they don’t.
Oral Health Implications of Thumb Sucking
Continued thumb sucking as a child’s teeth are developing can result in various dental problems, including:
- Issues with chewing and biting
- “Buck teeth” or flared upper teeth
- Changes in the jawbone shape
- Disruptions in facial appearance
- Tongue thrust that causes a lisp
Thumb Sucking Assessment and Guidance in Miami
Breaking the thumb sucking habit can difficult. If your child is struggling to move past it, our team at A New Smile Dental Center is here to help. Our children’s dentist will examine their oral health to evaluate the effects of thumb sucking. From there, we can provide personalized advice and treatment recommendations.
We can also address any damage from thumb sucking with our complete children’s dental care services in Miami.
Schedule an appointment at our children’s dental clinic to set your child on the path to long-term oral health!
