As parents, we have a myriad of concerns when it comes to our children. We want our children to grow healthy without developing habits that will jeopardize the right development.
Thumb sucking is one of the things we are worried about because our baby grows and becomes a toddler with damaged finger sucking teeth. Parents wondering whether that habit of thumb sucking will last, or if they need to seek help to stop it.
Never worry: Advice from a dentist or common sense often all you need. The good news is that habits will often stop before your child starts preschool.
Normal behaviour
Sucking the thumb or finger sucking, together with the use of a pacifier, which is acceptable for infants. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), this is a natural reflex for babies that are often seen in the uterus during development.
This reflex gives your baby's comfort and, as he grows, it may help him feel secure and happy. It can also be comforting, and many children and toddlers use it when anxious or isolated from their parents. Habit helps to begin sleep, and babies may suck their fingers or thumbs at night before bed.
How Long Are Accepted?
We have all seen sucking on mothers of children who are older and recognized how inappropriate it. But when is the best time to stop or prevent it? According to the ADA, the best time to prevent thumb sucking is the age of four.
At this time, prolonged sucking can begin to affect the mouth and teeth and jaw of your child develops, it can cause permanent teeth to be misaligned.
