Thumb sucking, pacifier use, and prolonged feeding bottle use are all common habits that many infants and Toddlers enjoy. While these habits may provide comfort and soothing for little ones, unfortunately if they continue into childhood problems can develop. This is because thumb sucking, pacifier use and drinking from a feeding bottle can all pose risks to your child’s dental health and development if continued long term. In this blog, we will compare the risks associated with these three habits.
Despite efforts by parents and caregivers to discourage the behaviour, it can be challenging for some individuals to stop thumb sucking. It can also be difficult to stop the habit as an adult. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind why this is the case.
When long term or persistent habits leave a child with bald patches, a visible overbite or areas of broken skin on their hands, the habits can also lead to social and developmental issues. Understandably, if there are no major factors that might be influencing the habit, such as grief or trauma, parents may decide to encourage their child to end their habit. Here we give our best tips for helping children stop habits and reduce the associated risks.
Thumb guards are a great tool to use when it is time to end thumb sucking. However, before choosing a thumb guard, you should familiarise yourself with your child’s habit. Children suck their thumbs and fingers in a variety of ways and for different reasons. Here are six points you should consider in order to select the best product for your child.
we recommend hand washing your thumb guards and finger guards at low temperatures using a detergent designed for cool or hand hot water. There are several reasons for this. Find out why here...
The average treatment time with braces, for overbite and other similar issues, is approximately two years. However, factors such as how well your child cleans their teeth can play a part in increasing that time.