It is very
important to note that of
all of my patients
that stopped their sucking habit, none of them developed any aberrant
habits. In fact the successful patients blossomed with self-confidence and
exhibited pride in their accomplishment.
Infants have an
innate urge to suck, however, when they reach 12 to 18 months frequent sucking
is no longer necessary. Except, perhaps, to help the parents keep the child
quiet. Sucking may
sooth children, make them more pliant or passive but, sucking can cause
an addiction to the
endorphins released by sucking.
Endorphins are referred to as the feel good hormone.
Should you or
should you not take away your child’s pacifier? By 18 months, unless there are
extenuating circumstances the pacifier should be gone! The good feeling from the
endorphins
does not compensate for the damage to the oral cavity by strong, frequent
sucking.
Even sucking just during a nap and/or at nighttime can cause damage to your
child’s bite and dental arches.
Thumb sucking may feel good to a child and keep a child quiet but, sucking is a
dirty habit, it is not good for the child's teeth and body.
Usually, the
process to stop digit sucking (finger, thumb or toe) should not be started
before the age of 41/2 or 5 years of age. The time is right when the child is
mature enough to understand
why sucking is harmful and has a desire to stop sucking. A competent therapist's
will determine
if the child is truly ready to stop sucking and then provide the tools that will
help the child eliminate her/his sucking habit.
OMD (Tongue Thrust,
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder) is treated in my office. Some OMD
problems are demonstrated by: incorrect tongue resting posture, abnormal
pressures by the tongue on the teeth during swallowing and consistently open lip
posture. These behaviors can have an adverse effect on: tooth eruption,
stability of tooth position, the health of your gums, they can also affect
speech production. Treatment for this condition can begin as early as 6 years of
age.
For further information about OMD please explore the rest of my website.
