Non-nutritive Sucking Habits: Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking
Non-nutritive sucking habits are often considered as normal and usual behaviors among infants and young children. In most cases, these become unnecessary as the child grows older. However, there are still some who continue with these habits even when they reach the age of five or six.
Sucking is an instinctive behavior in newborns that begins during the 29th week of pregnancy. There are two sorts of oral habits that babies develop: nutritive and non-nutritive. Breast- or bottle-feeding are nutritious activities that provide essential nutrients. Non-nutritive sucking includes behaviors such as digit sucking and pacifier sucking, which are often developed by babies very early in life as a natural response to frustrations or to self-soothe their desire for contact.
According to research, nearly all babies engage in some form of non-nutritive sucking, most commonly pacifier use, thumb sucking, or both. Sucking on blankets, toys, and other non-nutritive habits include but are not limited to. Unless a child's behaviors endure past the age of three, non-nutritive sucking is unlikely to create dental problems.
The majority of these habits, on the other hand, go away by the time the youngster reaches school age. Sucking that continues past this point can lead to improper dental and facial bone formation, which can lead to poor speech development.
Non-Nutritive Sucking Habits Cause Dental Problems
Non-nutritive sucking does not become seriously damaging until a child has reached the age of three. However, the upper incisors may become repressed and fail to erupt at this point. They may also become tipped towards the front, giving the appearance of "buck teeth."
The amount of teeth that change as a result of non-nutritive sucking habits is entirely dependent on the habit's prevalence, intensity, and duration, as well as how the baby positions his or her finger or thumb in his or her mouth. An anterior open bite, incisor movement, and maxillary constriction are the most noticeable dental consequences of non-nutritive sucking behaviors.
Non-Nutritive Sucking Habits Have Benefits
There are various benefits for infants and toddlers under the age of three who acquire a non-nutritive sucking behavior, such as thumb sucking or using a pacifier. The ability of an infant to self-soothe and cope with his or her own emotions is demonstrated by the formation of an oral habit.
Allowing infants to suck their thumbs or use pacifiers can help them learn to de-stress and focus their attention on their own. When a newborn is tired, distressed, bored, or anxious, he or she is more likely to engage in non-nutritive sucking. As a result, non-nutritive sucking can contribute to an infant's comfort and the formation of a sense of security.
When Should You Stop Sucking Your Thumb and Using a Pacifier?
Between the ages of two and four, most children stop sucking their thumb or using a pacifier. Over 20% of toddlers still use pacifiers at three years old, while thumb suckers frequently cease before pacifier users. In fact, peer pressure at school often causes older youngsters who suck their thumbs to stop.
Parents are encouraged to put their newborn to sleep with a pacifier throughout the first year of life, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). A pacifier has been clinically demonstrated to lessen the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which can occur at any time between birth and the age of one year. Using a pacifier with a baby during a nap or at bedtime is frequently encouraged as a healthy practice. However, if a child uses a pacifier for too long, it may cause tooth problems in the future.
Here at River District Smiles, we want to ensure your child has the best chance for a healthy oral future. If you have any questions or concerns about non-nutritive sucking habits, please don't hesitate to call us!
Resources:
https://www.brownbook.net/business/50067618/river-district-smiles-dentistry
https://www.manta.com/c/mk202xj/river-district-smiles-dentistry
https://www.merchantcircle.com/river-district-smiles1-rock-hill-sc
http://www.lacartes.com/business/River-District-Smiles/1948271