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| Child sucking a thumb |
Thumb/finger sucking is an action that occurs in children innately. The genesis of the behavior can be traced in utero (Revelation by ultrasound) and persists after parturition.
During the children’s maturation period, they pick their favorite finger(s) to suck. It is believed that finger sucking helps children achieve fulfillment, consolation, pleasure, and comfort, and reduces anxiety. Additionally, it assists them to learn to accept nutritive nourishments at their tender age.
Although thumb sucking stops at a certain age without parental intervention, some children could display it privately throughout their lifetime. This article will unravel some of the side effects that accompany children involved in this practice.
Children use thumb sucking as a tool to reduce anxiety and stress. It is postulated that adults who have a finger-sucking habit could have been victims of trauma at an early age and resorted to sucking a specific finger(s) for encouragement. Evidence from ancient storytelling indicates that people with trichotillomania (tendency to pull out hair from the head, eyebrows, mustache, or genitals) condition are thumb-suckers as well. Adults portraying behaviors synonymous with young children are affected by thumb-sucking activities.
The detrimental effects are more pronounced with the inception of permanent teeth. Temporary teeth are not adversely affected. Better still, if affected the second set of teeth replaces them. The following are some of the negative effects of thumb sucking problem:
Sucking of the thumb
alters the proper sequence and orientation of the teeth on the jawbones. This
could incite the introduction of conditions such as overbites. Also, the
frontal teeth on both jawbones can stoop out consequently affecting the dental
architecture and the normal interaction of the upper and lower lips.
It’s a form of dental malocclusion demonstrated when the upper and lower frontal teeth point outwards. These frontal teeth remain ajar even when the child closes the mouth completely.
Active sucking flexes the chick muscles leading to crossbites (Dental malocclusion). The facial appearance is partly contributed by the shape of the jaw. Therefore any change in the jaw shape has an impression on the facial image.
Hard palate refers to the fore subsection of the mouth’s roof. The brushing of the thumb or other fingers on the palate forces the roof to acquire a concave shape. The persistent abrasion exposes the nerves and the hard palate becomes more sensitive to stimuli such as heat, cold, or pain.
Contaminated fingernails incubate ubiquitous bacteria. During finger-sucking exercises, these microorganisms can find entry into the body through the oral route to initiate the development of gum and teeth diseases.
Prolonged thumb or
finger sucking makes it thinner and elongated. The process also erodes the
normal pigmentation of the skin around the finger giving it a whitish and
tender appearance. The skin becomes vulnerable to injuries.
Lisping is a dental
complication that makes it difficult for the victim to synchronize words
according to the movement of the lips. This menace is orchestrated by finger
sucking.
Pushing a thumb or finger into the oral cavity is a red flag in children above five years. Parents should be vigilant and guided against these subconscious, non-nutritive tendencies employed by preschool children to seek gratification and solace. Procreators and guardians need to devise friendly mechanisms to cajole their young ones to refrain from this adaptive habit after age four.
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