Thumb Sucking Advice
If the habit persists beyondage of 7
your child should have an urgent orthodontic assessment.
Many young children may indulge in thumb sucking, and for most, this is a harmless habit that does not persist beyond the age of five. Around three quarters of children suck their thumb in the first year of their life, and most experts agree that there is no need to pressure children who are not yet of school age to stop. However, the longer the habit persits, the more damage it can cause, and thumb sucking is known to cause problems with developing teeth and bites.
So, what can be done to help children who simply can’t kick the habit?
It is important that if the habit persists beyond the age of 7 that your child has an urgent orthodontic assessment. Any adverse growth of the jaws or facial bones caused by the digit habit, can be corrected between the ages of 7 and 9 whilst the bones are supple and pliable.
Therefore we advise every child who has sucked their thumbs or fingers to have an orthodontic assessment around the age of 7-8.
Thumb Sucking Advice
We are proud to offer our Thumb Sucking Advice from Dr Mark Hughes and his team of cosmetic dentists and orthodontists at Define Clinic; for any children of our loyal clients, aged 7-9 yrs old, this orthodontic/facial assessment service is complimentary.
Dr Hughes answers below some of your frequently asked questions.
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