THUMBSUCKINGHOW IT AFFECTS A CHILD'S TEETH

Thumb and finger habits quickly become a part of the child’s daily routine.

However, 75% of children outgrow their detrimental oral habits by the time they enter kindergarten.

These habits often correct themselves due to peer pressure without the need for any professional intervention.

THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF THUMBSUCKING

Most dentofacial changes depend on the severity, frequency and intensity of the thumb or fingers present within the oral region.

These changes may include the following:

Anterior open biteOverbite or underbiteLingual migration

of the mandibular incisors

Movement of maxillary incisors in a facial pattern

Distortion of speech and mastication tendencies

Dental professionals typically allow their patients to halt the progress of any further oral deteriorationby spontaneous return to normal daily routine.

If the patient does not show progress by the age of 4 -6,other methods of prevention and correction are appliedto rectify any existing issues and preventing them from becoming more complex problems in the future.

METHODS OF TREATMENT

Counseling and reminder therapy are the most gentle and successful techniques used to correct thumbsucking issues.

This approach is especially effective when dealing with older children who are capable of understanding the message that is being conveyed from the dental provider, a parent or a care taker.

Both techniques are combined with each other as well as a visual aid in the form of a commercially manufactured device, mitten or a sock.

It is crucial to emphasize to the child that the appliance is a reminder not a punishment.

A “contract” between the care taker and the child is drawn and signed by both parties.

If the child discontinues the habit within a specific amount of time, they receive a reward agreed upon in the contract.

The progress is monitored by placing appropriate stickers on a calendar.

Should this method of correction fail, other techniques will be applied if the child is willing to stop the habit.

Expands the arch and acts as a reminder not to place the fingers in the mouth.

THE QUADHELIX APPLIANCE 1

Mechanically obstructs placing the thumbs within the oral cavity, but it does not expand the arch.

THE PALATAL CRIB2

Fabricated with cylinder spins, it reduces sucking satisfaction.

THE KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS APPLIANCE 3

Similar to thumbsucking, but it is less pronounced and guarantees to stop the habit in 100% of children by the age of eight.

PACIFIERS4

SEVERE CASES OF THUMBSUCKING

Prolonged thumbsucking can lead to severe cases of other conditions such as bruxism or lip licking.

Because of soft properties of enamel, the bruxism results in reducedtooth structure, gum disease and premature tooth loss.

It may also cause oral joint and muscle aches and pains creating a chronic source of discomfort for the child.

It may be correctedwith the application of the plastic nightguard or day mouthguard to slow or stop the progress.

Lip licking leaves a ring around the lower lip, cracked skin and increased overjet. Both conditions may be detrimental in the proper development of functional and aesthetic conduct of the mouth.

The affected areas may be controlled with the use of ointments and bitter–tasting creams.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.

Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal.

Call today for an appointment. Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com/

SHUMWAY DENTAL CARE3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1Chandler, AZ 85286(480) 659-7800shumwaydentalcare@gmail.com