Often, our children pick up certain wrong habits during their childhood, and as a responsible parent, we must correct them. However, many parents often fail to do that. Tongue thrusting and thumb sucking are a few habits that parents must take special care of.
If you ignore such habits in your child, it may lead to misaligned teeth, bite issues, and speech deformity. You consult any experienced Pediatric dental specialists immediately. Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry has a few specialists in this field who will offer you the necessary guidance and address such issues of your child.
Their team focuses on early intervention to help kids develop healthy oral habits, making dental visits fun and stress-free.
Why Thumb-Sucking Matters
Thumb-sucking is a normal self-calming tactic in babies, but past age 4 or 5, this habit can lead to:
- Misaligned teeth – Excessive pressure may extrude teeth, or an open bite may occur
- Changes in jaw shape – The roof of their mouth may become narrower, affecting their breathing and speech.
- Increased need for braces – Future orthodontic work can be minimized by early intervention.
Although most children get out of the thumb-sucking habit without any help, pediatric dentists can recommend some soft methods to get rid of this habit.
The Hidden Effects of Tongue Thrusting
Less noticeable yet equally effective are tongue thrusting, a habit where a child shoves the tongue against his teeth during swallowing or speech.
Warning indicators are:
- Lisp or speech difficulties, especially with “s” and “z” sounds
- Forward shifting of teeth because of constant pressure
- Mouth breathing or open-mouth resting posture
In contrast to thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting seldom outgrows and frequently needs therapy such as myofunctional therapy or habit-breaking appliances.
Other Common Oral Habits to Watch For
In addition to thumb-sucking and tongue thrusting, pediatric dentists observe:
- Prolonged pacifier use (beyond age 3)
- Nail or lip biting
- Chewing on objects (pencils, clothing)
Unless controlled, these habits may lead to misaligned teeth, strained jaws, or chipped teeth.
When to Seek Help
Early prevention is important.
Talk to a pediatric dentist in case of:
- Thumb-sucking continues after age 5
- Demonstrates speech delay or inarticulate speech
- Shifting of teeth is visible or bite changes
- Breathes frequently with his mouth open
At Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry, their team is skilled in catching these habits before they occur and developing individual pathways to allow healthy teeth growth.
Tips for Breaking Habits at Home
The parent can contribute by:
- Using positive reinforcement (reward charts, praise)
- Offering alternative comfort items (soft toys, blankets)
- Using mouth exercises to encourage tongue positioning
- Occupying hands with fidget toys or crafts.
In cases of persistent habits, a pediatric dentist may recommend the use of special equipment or a plan developed in collaboration with a speech therapist, adopting a holistic approach.
A Proactive Approach for Lifelong Smiles
A few habits developed during childhood may seem sweet and innocent, but they can lead to major oral health issues. It is important to consult a pediatric dental expert and seek his/her advice to prevent such problems.
Visit Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry if your child has such habits, where you will get professional advice that will ensure a confident smile when your child grows into an adult.