19 Dec 🥴Is your child sucking their thumb all the time? 😬Been told by the dentist to discourage your child from thumb sucking but its too hard to do so

Babies 👶🏻have a natural instinct to suck as it is a reflex that begins in the womb. Thumb sucking is a comforting and self-soothing behaviour that often starts in the early stages of infancy. It is a common habit among infants and young children, however, it generally becomes a cause for concern when it persists beyond the toddler years.

5 reasons why prolonged thumb sucking is bad for your child:
😬Dental Issues:
One of the primary concerns is the potential impact on dental development. Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to misalignment of teeth, open bite, and changes in the roof of the mouth (palate). This can result in orthodontic problems that may require correction through braces or other interventions. Beyond misaligned teeth, prolonged thumb sucking can contribute to skeletal changes in the face and jaw, potentially leading to a less favourable facial profile.

😬Speech Development:
Persistent thumb sucking may also affect speech development. The habit can interfere with the proper positioning of the tongue and affect the development of certain speech sounds.

😬Social Implications:
Children who continue to suck their thumbs beyond the socially acceptable age may face social challenges. Peers may tease or make fun of them, potentially leading to self-esteem issues.

😬Infection and Skin Problems:
Thumb sucking can expose children to germs and bacteria, increasing the risk of infections. Additionally, constant moisture from saliva can lead to skin problems, such as chapping and redness.

😬Interference with Hand Function:
In some cases, persistent thumb sucking may interfere with the child’s ability to use their hands effectively causing delay in their fine motor skills.

So if you are concerned about your little one’s thumb sucking and hand function, reach out My Favourite Physio 📱on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio to speak to one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists 🤓today!

#myfavpouritephysio #paedsphysio #kidsphysio #thumbsucking #banktown