Why do children suck a finger, pacifiers or other objects?
It is absolutely normal for babies and young children. In fact, children are still sucking their fingers before they were born. For infants it is a way of recognition of the world. So children feel calmer and safer.
Is thumb sucking or pacifiers harmful to your child?
Most children give up these habits themselves between 2 and 4 years. Before this age, such habits are of no harm. Nevertheless, some children continue to thumb sucking or pacifiers, and after 4 years. In such cases, the upper teeth may begin to deviate forward or grow properly.
When should I start to worry about these bad habits of my child?
Your child's dentist and orthodontist will closely monitor the development of teeth and jaws of your child, keeping in mind his habit of finger sucking or pacifier. But do not worry until the first molars come up.
What can I do to wean the child from the habit of thumb sucking or pacifier?
Most children wean themselves, but some need help of parents and dentists. When your child is old enough, your dentist will tell him what can happen to teeth, if he does not stop thumb sucking. Communicating with the dentist, as well as support of parents, help the majority of children stop thumb sucking. If this approach does not work, your dentist may recommend wearing a special device, which prevents the child suck on a finger, break him of this habit.
It is better when a child sucks a finger or a pacifier?
Indeed, the nipple and finger and act on the teeth about the same. Nevertheless, from the pacifier it is easier to cure.
Child grinding his teeth in his sleep. What does this mean?
This condition is called bruxism. All the reasons still not fully identified, but the most common - is the day nervous stress.
How to treat bruxism?
Dental treatment of bruxism purports to protect the teeth from abrasion and cracking. To do this, the doctor makes a special mouth piece (as in athletes), which must be worn at night. It is called dental nightguard. Some pre-manufactured nightguards can be purchased at local pharmacy stores; while custom-made dental nightguards can cost around $500.