What You Should Know about thumb sucking and Dental Care for Infants

Dental care for infants and children is instrumental and can play a significant role in their oral and general well-being now and in the future.

A child’s baby or primary teeth are of great importance. Baby teeth can help path the way for secondary teeth, enhance speaking ability and assist with chewing function. We recommend working with your child to establish healthy eating habits and good oral hygiene techniques from an early age. A balanced diet, with children consuming foods from all sections of the healthy food pyramid, can prevent decay and help to strengthen and protect teeth. Supervising your child while they brush their teeth is another beneficial technique in establishing good oral hygiene. By being with your children you can help them reach all the ‘tricky’ spots and show support during this vital process.

Thumb sucking, although a seemingly innocent habit, can significantly affect the position of your child’s teeth as well as their dental health. Sucking on the thumb exerts pressure upward on the palate and outward on the upper front teeth. Research has indicated that thumb sucking beyond age two, increases the likelihood of your child developing protruding front teeth or a crossbite. If your child continues to suck their thumb after this age, it is important to take steps toward eliminating this habit.

Good oral hygiene techniques and dental care can never come too early in life and should be embraced by all parents. As a parent you are the ultimate role model for your child; by setting a gold example from the beginning, you can help establish a healthy routine for your child’s future.