Thumbsucking And Your Child’s Oral Health
Inspired by BoulderLocavore.com Festive Apple Cider
If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider!
Ingredients
When a child is upset, a common reflex is to start sucking their thumb or reach for a pacifier. While this may bring them (and you!) short-term comfort, thumbsucking can also damage their teeth.
• 1 lemon • 1 gallon pure apple cider • 1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise • 2 tsp whole cloves
• 2 tsp allspice berries • 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp honey • 3 cinnamon sticks
Understand the impact of sucking on a pacifier or thumb.
As infants, thumbsucking isn’t necessarily a problem. However, if a child develops a habit of sucking their thumb or a pacifier when their permanent teeth begin to come in, it can quickly cause issues. Constant sucking on a thumb or pacifier impacts the proper alignment of permanent teeth in the mouth. Additionally, it can impact how the mouth grows and even how the roof of the mouth forms. Other effects include the following:
Directions
1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. 3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy! Take a Break
• Poor speech development • Modified swallowing action of the tongue • Altered breathing • Calluses on the fingers or thumb
These problems can vary depending on how intense the habit is. According to the ADA, “If children rest their thumbs passively in their mouths, they are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Some aggressive thumbsuckers may develop problems with their baby (primary) teeth.” Put a stop to thumbsucking. Typically, a child stops sucking their thumb or pacifier when their primary teeth come in, usually around 2–4 years of age. If, however, they are an aggressive thumbsucker, it might be harder for them to break the habit. A few methods can help wean your child from their thumbsucking. • Praise and reward your child for not sucking their thumb. • Eliminate any triggers that lead your child to comfort themselves through thumbsucking. • Use mittens to prevent a child from sucking their thumb or fingers in their sleep. • If the child is older, work together to find a method for stopping the habit. • Encourage your dentist to educate your child about the importance of stopping thumbsucking.
Taking an active role to help your child drop these potentially harmful habits allows them to develop healthy oral care that will last a lifetime.
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