Thumbsucking
AND YOUR CHILD’S ORAL HEALTH
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.
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. 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:
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Poor speech development
Modified swallowing action of the tongue
Altered breathing
Calluses on the fingers or thumb
TAKE A BREAK TAKE A BREAK These problems can vary depending on how intense the habit is. According to the American Dental Association (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.”
VEGAN CAESAR DRESSING Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com Simple Nothing pulls together a salad quite like a delicious Caesar dressing. This easy vegan recipe takes just five minutes to make and keeps for 5–7 days in the fridge.
Ingredients
• 2 tsp capers, minced • 3 tsp caper brining juice • 1 tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • Hot water, as needed
• 1/4 cup hummus • 5 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tsp spicy mustard • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
Directions 1. In a small bowl, add all ingredients and whisk to combine. 2. If needed, add a bit of hot water to thin the dressing until it will pour. 3. Serve with salad or refrigerate for later!
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