{"id":99,"date":"2018-01-03T17:57:08","date_gmt":"2018-01-03T17:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smilebeautifully.com\/blog\/?p=99"},"modified":"2018-02-16T17:57:18","modified_gmt":"2018-02-16T17:57:18","slug":"dentist-in-newbury-park-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smilebeautifully.com\/blog\/2018\/01\/03\/dentist-in-newbury-park-2\/","title":{"rendered":"A Dentist in Newbury Park Helps Your Kids Kick the Habit!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Child

Child sucking their thumb<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s universal \u2013 children everywhere have always sucked their thumbs! This soothing activity can certainly bring a child a lot of comfort and even help them sleep at night. Unfortunately, if it continues for too long it can also lead to oral health problems when they outgrow the habit. While patience is key, the goal is to help them \u201ckick the habit\u201d and feel comfortable leaving their thumbs behind. If you\u2019d like some ideas about how to do this, a dentist in Newbury Park has some great tips and tricks on how to handle this common situation.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What Kinds of Problems Can Result From Thumbsucking?<\/h2>\n

While there are actually two separate but similar issues, pacifiers and thumbsucking, they can cause many of the same problems. Usually, a pacifier habit is a bit easier to handle because children find it less difficult to give up.<\/p>\n

However, if either of these habits continue past the age of four they can cause several issues. The shape of the jaw, the bite and the teeth can all be adversely affected.<\/p>\n

As for the teeth, an \u201copen bite\u201d may develop which prevents the top and bottom front teeth from touching, even when biting. This must be corrected with braces in early adolescence.<\/p>\n

Also, the development of the jaw and facial structure can be permanently altered, and speech problems can also occur that require braces and\/or speech therapy to correct.<\/p>\n

How Can You Help Your Child Overcome This Habit?<\/h2>\n

Oftentimes children outgrow this habit on their own between the ages of 2-4. That\u2019s not always the case though! If your child needs a little extra help, here are some great ideas to consider:<\/p>\n