3 Popular Myths About Thumb Sucking Debunked

Thumb sucking is something that many babies and small toddlers do as a way of self-soothing. This habit sometimes continues for the first few years of a child's life. While thumb-sucking is something that children usually grow out of on their own, there are many people who discourage this technique. Mainly, it has been theorized that thumb sucking can lead to various dental issues and increase the need for Eldridge orthodontic treatment. Our team at Mack Orthodontics in the Bettendorf and Eldridge area can assist with any dental issues that your child has relating to thumb sucking. Let's take a look at three popular myths about thumb-sucking and why they're not accurate.

Myth #1: Thumb Sucking Indicates Emotional Issues

Many people assume that a child sucks their thumbs because they are experiencing some sort of anxiety or stress that is not being addressed by their parents. In fact, thumb sucking is simply a self-soothing technique that is very healthy and important for a child. It's very similar to a child using a pacifier when it is time for a nap or time for bed. Thumb sucking usually only becomes a problem when a child is getting older, and they are not starting to wean away from the process.

Myth #2: Thumb Sucking Will Cause Dental Issues

This myth has a multi-part explanation. If a child is only sucking their thumb now and again when they are very young, it may not cause any issues as their teeth begin to grow. However, very frequent thumb sucking can indeed cause teeth to come in abnormally or the bite to be affected. It's a good idea to have your child attend a family dentist's office every year to ensure that they aren't experiencing any issues relating to their dental health.

In addition to the teeth being affected, excessive thumb sucking can also affect things such as:

• Bite
• Jaw alignment
• Frequency of illness
• Infection

Reach out to our team at Mack Orthodontics for assistance if you're concerned that your child's thumb-sucking is causing issues.

Myth #3: Children Grow Out of Thumb Sucking on Their Own

Thumb sucking is something that many children eventually grow out of naturally as they get older. However, there are some kids who need a little bit of motivation to stop the habit. If your child is still sucking their thumb and is a couple of years old, you can start to encourage them to stop. You should do so gently and kindly, potentially offering a reward or praise when they can control their habit on their own.

At Mack Orthodontics in the Bettendorf and Eldridge areas, we provide early dental care for your children, ensuring that they aren't developing troubling dental issues that could impact them later in life. We encourage you to schedule your child's first dental visit around the age of one. There are various Eldridge orthodontic treatment options available that can be used if dental problems are present.

Reach out to Mack Orthodontics today for more information or to schedule an appointment.