Language Development in Kids
- by WONDERMOM
- Nov. 18, 2022
Young youngsters enjoy discovering methods to feel comforted. Thumb or finger sucking is a typical and natural behavior that helps your child feel secure and comfortable in the environment. In addition, it is important to be informed that children often acquire abnormalities in the appearance and position of their teeth and jaws as a consequence of thumb or finger sucking, as well as the use of dummies/pacifiers.
If the habit disappears during infancy, there is a strong probability that any developmental deficits will heal without intervention. However, the probability that your kid may acquire permanent growth changes or cosmetic abnormalities in the teeth and jaws increases with age, and this is particularly true as your child starts to develop adult teeth. If a child’s thumb sucking habit persists beyond the ages of two to four, there may be cause for concern.
IMPLICATIONS OF THUMB SUCKING
Long-term thumb or finger sucking may have the following effects on a child’s jaws and teeth:
Acquiring a lisp
Those who suck their fingers and thumbs as young children may really displace their teeth’s natural alignment placements. This may interfere with the correct development of certain speech sounds.
Developing an overbite
An overbite, sometimes known as “buck teeth,” occurs when the front teeth are pushed forward more than they should be, affecting the structure of the face.
Developing an open bite
Typically, the lower teeth are partially covered by the upper teeth, but with an open bite, the upper and lower front teeth are exposed.
When the mouth is closed, there is no contact between the teeth. This condition is characterized by a space between the upper and lower front teeth through which the tongue may pass.
WHAT HELP CAN YOU PROVIDE?
The key to assisting your kid in kicking this habit is to be encouraging and to give a secure, comfortable atmosphere. It is preferable to let children some time to quit sucking their thumb on their own, so avoid intervening too fast. Remember that most youngsters quit smoking between the ages of two and four on their own. The most important thing is to ensure that they feel supported as they let go of the comfort it offers. Keeping in mind your child’s age and abilities, you could:
Honor their growth
When youngsters go without sucking for a period of time, reward them with a toy, an exciting excursion, or a sticker. Over time, extend this timeframe from twenty-four hours to a whole week, and ultimately up to a month.
Provide abundant reassurance
It is important that they feel totally supported. This might provide hugs or verbal praise that emphasizes how well they are doing by striving to stop.