Why is Thumbsucking Bad for Kids?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

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Thumbsucking is a natural habit for children.  At a young age, it can help them relax and fall asleep.  
However, it's important that kids break the thumbsucking habit when their permanent teeth begin to emerge between the ages of two and four years old.  Thumbsucking can alter tooth alignment and cause changes to the roof of the mouth.  Here are a few tips to help your child break the habit.

Thumbsucking Tips:

• Support Them - Let your child know you are happy when they aren't sucking their thumb.  Supporting them will help them break the habit.
• Find the Cause - Many children suck their thumbs when they feel insecure or in need of comfort.  Focusing on correcting the anxiety can help them.
• Practice Self-Awareness - Sometimes, kids don't realize when they are sucking their thumbs.  Ask them if they know why they're sucking their thumb.  If they say no, find another way to soothe them.
• Limit Thumbsucking - Try to ween them off thumbsucking by limiting the time that they suck their thumb tot he bedroom or house.  Avoid thumbsucking in public to get them used to the idea of breaking the habit.

Read this article from webmd or this article from the American Dental Association (ADA) for more information on thumbsucking and tips on how to help your child break the habit.

Remember to contact our office with any questions you have about your child's oral health. Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!