Does your child have a thumb sucking habit? Sucking on a thumb or finger is actually a very common habit for young ones, and they often do it as a way of soothing themselves. But it shouldn’t persist for too long. If that happens, dentists recommend using a thumb sucking appliance to break the habit. Find out how this appliance works and whether your child needs one.
Reasons Why Thumb Sucking Could Be Harmful for Your Child’s Teeth
Thumb sucking seems like a cute, harmless habit at first, but it can be bad for your child’s teeth if this habit continues. It can cause:
Anterior open bite
A small gap that appears between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.
Overjet
When the upper front teeth close too far ahead of the lower teeth.
Posterior crossbite
A few or almost all of the upper teeth close behind the lower ones.
When these issues develop, your child will likely need orthodontic treatment at some point. Using a thumb sucking appliance at the right time can help prevent that.
How Does a Thumb Sucking Appliance Work?
A thumb sucking appliance is a dental device used primarily in children to help break the thumb sucking habit. It works in different ways, depending on which type of appliance your dentist suggests. The three most common fixed appliances are:
The Hay Rake
It has small prongs that discourage thumb placement in the mouth, helping the child break the habit over time.
Thumb crib
This device has a small fence that sits just below the roof of the mouth. It prevents sucking pressure. Without it, your child may lose the soothing sensation they associate with thumb sucking.
Bluegrass appliance
This one has a roller that rests close to the front half of the palate. Children turn the roller instead of sucking on their thumb. It’s a good choice for kids around the ages of 5 to 7.
How Long Should the Appliance Be Worn?
Generally, your dentist or orthodontist might suggest wearing the appliance until the habit is broken. Plus, some additional time to make sure this habit does not return.
A fixed thumb sucking appliance is quite effective. Most of the time, kids stop sucking their thumbs within the first few weeks of use.
Overall, it takes about 3 to 6 months. A persistent thumb sucker may even need to wear it for about a year.
If the habit returns once your child stops using it, they’ll need a new appliance, and for a longer period.
Summing Up
For children with a persistent thumb sucking habit, home remedies might not work. If you have tried different things and your child still has this habit, talk to our orthodontist, Dr. Brad Albertson, at Capital Springs Orthodontics about getting a thumb sucking appliance. Call (512) 447-6453 today to book your visit.