Thumb Sucking & Oral Health
Children sucking their thumbs is quite common. And in of itself it really is not that big a problem, however issues start to arise when it goes beyond infancy, that’s when oral health problems start to come into play.
Generally speaking thumb sucking is abandoned by the age of 7, however, studies have shown that 1 in 8 children go on the continue past that age, in some case even into adulthood.
Usually if thumb sucking is stopped by around age 7, the teeth can readjust and fix themselves, however if it is prolonged these can lead to problems such as anterior or posterior bites, irregularities in teeth formation, intra-oral ulcers and some experts even claiming speech impairment might be a result.
Good Oral Health for Children
By teaching them young and instilling in them good oral health routines, you can prevent most of the problems that come with not looking after your teeth. And whilst they may not be happy now, you can be assured that they will thank you later!