Oral habits in children, such as thumb sucking and chewing on objects, are common but can have negative consequences on their long-term dental health. These behaviors, if sustained, can lead to problems requiring orthodontic treatment.
We often hear that “my child has the habit of sucking his thumb and chewing on different objects continuously”. Can this bad habit cause damage to children’s teeth?
Common habits and their effects on dental health
Thumb sucking
First of all, it should be made clear that thumb sucking is a frequent bad habit in the first years of life of children. Up to the age of 2 years this behavior pattern is normal and does not cause damage to children’s dentition.
From 2 to 5 years of age, the damage that can be caused varies depending on the time and intensity of sucking, and from 5 years of age onwards, this habit is very harmful to oral health.
In these cases, damage to the mandible and palate may occur, which may be depressed, increasing the intraoral space, leaving an open bite and protrusion of the upper incisors or canines and retrusion of the lower incisors.
As a consequence, the child will need braces and appliances in the future to solve the problem.
Biting objects
On the other hand, both thumb sucking and sucking on other objects such as toys at an early age, or pens and pencils in adolescence, is a source of bacteria that can cause all kinds of infections. In a pen, for example, there can be more than 700 different species of bacteria that, when introduced in the mouth, can be a way of spreading diseases.
A toy or pen circulates from hand to hand, can fall on the floor, accumulate dust and mites. This is why it can become a source of bacteria, in addition to representing a great danger of suffocation if small parts such as the cap of a pen are separated from it, and of intoxication from the ink.
Biting pens produces open bites and malocclusions, as well as a great risk of teeth breaking or chipping in a mild manner or with major fractures when it occurs frequently and obsessively.
To correct it, dental professionals recommend braces and orthodontics. This bad habit seriously compromises the health of the tooth and can also affect the nerve.
Onychophagia: nail biting
Finally, let’s talk about the habit of nail biting. This is onychophagia, a frequent habit in school-age children that can continue over time in a vicious way. Nail biting on the teeth can lead to malocclusions, erosions, chipping and even a change in the correct position of the teeth.
In addition, infections can also occur due to germs that can lodge under the nails.
Impact on long-term dental health
We must be aware that a bad habit repeated for a long time can cause serious problems in our oral health. A preventive care of our dental pieces will avoid that in the future we can have complications in our visit to the dentist.
Solutions and prevention at Clínica Dental Ilzarbe
At Ilzarbe Dental Clinic in Valencia, we offer a full range of pediatric dentistry services to address and correct problems arising from oral habits. Through detailed evaluations and the use of braces and orthodontics, our specialists design personalized treatments for each little patient. To avoid future complications, it is crucial to address these habits early. Early intervention and regular follow-up care can prevent the progression of dental problems and maintain children’s oral health.
Conclusion
Oral habits in children, such as thumb sucking and chewing on objects, can have long-lasting and detrimental effects on their oral health. At Ilzarbe Dental Clinic, we understand the importance of addressing these problems from an early age. We invite parents concerned about their children’s dental health to make an appointment with our pediatric dentistry specialists for a personalized consultation and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I be concerned if my child is still sucking his thumb?
If your child continues to suck his thumb after the age of 5, it is advisable to consult a specialist. At this age, the habit can begin to permanently affect the alignment of their teeth and jaw.
What treatments does Ilzarbe Dental Clinic offer for oral habits?
We offer customized treatments that may include braces and orthodontics, designed to correct the effects of these habits and improve your child’s oral health.
How can I prevent my child from developing harmful oral habits?
Prevention can include providing safe, age-appropriate toys, preventing children from putting objects in their mouths, and establishing an oral hygiene routine from an early age.
What is the risk of biting objects such as pens?
Biting on hard objects can cause dental fractures, malocclusions and is a method of transmitting bacteria that can cause oral infections.
How can I make an appointment at Clínica Dental Ilzarbe?
You can request an appointment through our website, calling directly to the clinic or visiting our facilities in Valencia. We are committed to your family’s dental care.
