While there is no guarantee that thumb sucking is going to do permanent harm to your childrens smile but it could play a small role. Nearly all of us had our finger in our mouths at an early age. I know I did. My parents warned me that I would get buck teeth by sucking my thumb and need dentist braces when I got older. I must have been lucky since I never did have to get braces when I was older.
Using your thumb as a pacifier is not the only thing that could keep your dentist busy in later years. It seems that some families may have a genetic predisposition to crooked teeth. Their oral development is otherwise healthy and there is enough room in the jaw for the teeth, but they grow in crooked. Wearing retainers and teeth braces can help pull the teeth into position as they develop so they will grow in straight. People aware of a family history of this problem may want to discuss it with their dentists to make sure their children receive early intervention.
Crooked Teeth May Be Hereditary
The causes of crooked teeth can include inherited traits, injuries to the mouth, and poor oral development. Over time, misaligned teeth can create problems with eating and speaking, and may cause jaw pain and discomfort. Treatment options usually involve an orthodontist, who can correct badly positioned teeth with dental hardware and surgery, if necessary. It may take several months to years to align the teeth, and the pient needs to be consistent about treatment for it to be effective.In some instances, the jaw is undersized or oversized, which can create crowding or awkward spacing. This can lead to crooked teeth over time as the teeth struggle to fit in. Other problems with oral development, like a jaw twisted out of alignment, can also push the teeth out of position. Injuries to the mouth such as those incurred in an accident can be another cause, as can oral tumors that press against developing teeth.
Poor dental work is also sometimes associated with crooked teeth. If children need extractions or other procedures, they need to be performed with care and consideration. The dentist must think about the child’s long term oral development, and must use appropriate spacers and other devices to protect the teeth. Regular checkups are also important so the dentist can determine if a spacer needs to be adjusted or removed as the child’s mouth grows.
As mentioned earlier in the article, habits like thumb sucking, pushing at the teeth with the tongue, or chewing on objects like pacifiers can also contribute to crooked teeth. Children may use these habits for comfort under stress. Long-term persistence of these habits can cause problems with oral development.
