Thumb Sucking Help for Children In Richmond, VA | James River Family Dentistry
Thumb And Finger Sucking Solutions
A natural reflex that helps them feel safe and secure, most babies and toddlers suck on their thumbs at some point in their young lives. Most children stop thumb sucking on their own when they are around ages two to four years old. However, some parents may seek thumb sucking help for children who have trouble stopping on their own.
Unfortunately, as your child grows, prolonged thumb and finger sucking can cause serious problems with their developing smile and oral health. If your child is past the age of four or five and is still thumb sucking, they may require professional thumb sucking help for children to stop. Fortunately, Dr. Guthrie has helped many children in Richmond, Bon Air, Midlothian, and Chesterfield, VA dealing with the same issue, and is ready to partner with you to support your child in quitting this bad habit.
Why Should Parents Seek Thumb Sucking Help For Children?
While the habit may seem innocent at first, thumb sucking can be more harmful than many realize. When your child sucks their thumb, the force and suction puts pressure on the teeth and the roof of their mouth.
This can cause:
Dr. Guthrie also considers the intensity of your child’s habit to determine the extent of potential issues and if you really need professional thumb sucking help for children. Gentle thumb sucking is not as likely to cause dental problems related to the habit. However, if your child is aggressive or constantly sucks their thumb, there is a higher chance that it will affect their teeth and oral development.
Supporting Your Child
At our office, thumb sucking help for children at our office emphasizes the importance of supporting and encouraging your child. Whether they are using one of the solutions above, or going about it in a different way, she recommends providing intermittent praise when your child does not have their thumb or finger in their mouth. Make sure you don’t overdo the praise, and do not point out when your child has their thumb or finger in their mouth.
It can also be helpful to establish a rewards system. Each time you use a technique sucking solution and your child does not engage in the habit, give them a small reward. After a few weeks, provide them with a bigger and more memorable reward. This can help positively reinforce good habits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Every child is different, and breaking a thumb or finger sucking habit isn’t always easy. It can take time, patience and plenty of encouragement. If you have questions about your child’s habit or are not sure whether they need additional support, Dr. Guthrie is here to help. Below are answers to some common questions about the thumb sucking help for children we offer.
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Dr. Guthrie and her team are ready to provide you with top-notch dental services within a pristine and expertly managed setting. We aim to ensure that patients of all ages feel at ease and self-assured during their dental visits. Ready to schedule an appointment with JRFD?
