Thumb Sucking Behaviour In Children Benefits And Consequences

Thumb Sucking Behaviour In Children Benefits And Consequences: 

Thumb sucking is one of the natural reflexes in children. This behaviour makes them more happy and secure. Once permanent teeth come out, this will be lead to many consequences. So it's important to break the habit to avoid improper growth of mouth and variation in teeth alignment. The best time to discourage this habit by the age of three. If your child continues thumb sucking after the year of three, leads to a couple of dental problems like posterior cross bite, anterior open bite, anterior excessive over jet,etc.

Benefits Of Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking behaviour helps to developing muscles of jaw and mouth. The act of sucking provides pleasure, comfort and feel more secure to your babies. Another benefit is that thumb sucking helps to reduce allergic hyper sensitivity.

Consequences Of Thumb Sucking

Various consequences of thumb sucking include;

1. Poor swallow pattern

2. Speech issues

3. Abnormal tongue rest

4. Altered breathing pattern

5. Facial shape change

6. Improper teeth position

How to stop thumb sucking

Please don't ever punish your child for sucking his thumb. Hold your child's hand when they start thumb sucking. Also encourage and praise your child for not sucking the thumb.

                                                                                                                                         Eldhos Yacob