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Thumb sucking may be adorable, but is it harmful to a child’s oral health?
It’s safe—but only to a point. That point arises when permanent teeth begin to come in. Thumb sucking then may cause improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of teeth. Children generally stop this very common habit on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. But sometimes they continue the practice into the danger zone.
When a child continues to suck his or her thumb and it becomes a threat to mouth health, what can parents do to correct the behaviour? Here are some suggestions from the American Dental Association:
For more information on thumb sucking, including how pacifiers can have similar harmful effects after a certain point, visit the American Dental Association consumer website MouthHealthy.org.
We at Family Care Dental Clinic offer our clients a wide range of comprehensive dental services for the whole family. Our dentists can help everyone in your family understand the importance of proper oral hygiene over time and the positive effects it has on your health. At Family Care Dental Clinic, we treat our clients to a soothing environment where they can receive quality dental care no matter what their needs are. Call (604) 987-3545 or please visit our appointment page to schedule an appointment with a member of our excellent team.