Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Interference
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common among infants and it is generally seen as a normal part of everyday life. Sucking is a natural habit for babies, so babies get a sense of comfort and relaxation from it. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry claims that most children stop using a pacifier before they reach the age of four. If the habit continues, it can be hard to break it. It will continue longer than usual if there is no intervention. If your child doesn’t break the habit after age four, you should seek professional Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Interference treatment at Yanagi Dental.
Effect of Thumb Sucking & Pacifiers
Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Interference for long is likely to affect:
- Healthy growth of mouth
- Tooth alignment
- Roof of the mouth
The amount of harm caused varies based on how aggressively your child sucks on the pacifier or thumb. Sometimes, it can cause problems with your child’s baby teeth and lead to misaligned or crooked teeth. All these problems from Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Interference in Irvine, CA can sometimes translate into costly orthodontic procedures in the future.
How to Overcome Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Interference?
As mentioned above, many kids will themselves stop these habits after they touch the age of four. If you see changes in your child’s bite or your child doesn’t discontinue the habit even after they turn 4, it is recommended to take the following steps with kids:
- Praise them when they don't suck their thumb or pacifier
- Reward them for choosing other methods to feel relaxed during stressful situations
- Help them find different ways to make your child feel relaxed during stressful situations
- If they suck their thumb or pacifier out of boredom, give them something else to do to keep their hands busy
- At night, place a sock on their hand or a bandage over the thumb
- Bring them to a dentist for Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Interference in Irvine, CA
At Yanagi Dental, Dr. Glenn T. Yanagi, DDS will gather as much information about your child’s Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Interference problems, will talk to your child about the damages caused by the habit, and may suggest a mouth appliance.
Approaching Thumb Sucking & Pacifier Use Habit
If the habit persists, our Dentist in Irvine, CA may suggest myofunctional tongue therapy or braces. However, it is important to follow the right approach when trying to overcome this complex problem in PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY in Irvine, CA. You should avoid scolding or punishing your child if the habit persists. When you increase their anxiety and stress by punishing them, it is likely to strengthen their habit.
It is recommended to follow a positive approach to encourage your child so that they can make an effort to break the habit. If it doesn’t work, you can always rely on the experience of Dr. Glenn Yanagi at Yanagi Dental Irvine, CA. Dr. Yanagi has over 15 years of experience in serving his community.