Understanding four harmful side effects of finger sucking is crucial for parents who are concerned about their child’s health and well-being. Despite being a common soothing mechanism for infants and toddlers, prolonged finger sucking can lead to several issues that extend beyond mere childhood habits.
Germs and Illness
Little fingers get into all sorts of gunk and goo and are often exposed to surfaces teeming with bacteria and germs. When a child who hasn’t yet learned proper handwashing techniques sucks their fingers, they can ingest these germs, leading to illnesses such as colds, flu, or gastrointestinal infections. Even when a child knows how to wash their hands, it doesn’t always completely eliminate the risk associated with finger sucking.
Dental Deformation
Prolonged finger sucking can cause dental deformation. The constant pressure exerted by the thumb or fingers on the teeth, jaw, and palate can lead to misaligned teeth, overbites, jaw deformation, and a high palate, all of which may interfere with speech development, chewing, and even breathing. These issues might require orthodontic treatment or even surgery in the future, which can be both costly and distressing for your child.
Tongue Thrust
Another harmful side effect of finger sucking is tongue thrust, a condition where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing or speech. This habit can further contribute to speech difficulties and dental problems, emphasizing the need to address finger sucking early.
Emotional Issues
On an emotional level, finger sucking can become a source of embarrassment or anxiety for older children, especially in social settings like school or playdates. It can affect their self-esteem and social interactions, leading to emotional distress.
The harmful side effects of prolonged finger sucking are significant and far-reaching. This seemingly innocuous habit can have profound implications.
Fortunately, learning how to break the finger sucking habit is achievable with patience, support, and the right tools. You can explore strategies to help your child overcome this habit and avoid the associated side effects. Substitute comfort objects, offer praise for refraining from the habit, and provide distractions like arts and crafts that give children something else to do with their hands and alleviate boredom.
Using devices like the AeroFinger that removes the pleasurable sensation of finger sucking can be extremely effective. With a proactive approach, you can guide your child toward healthier soothing mechanisms and safeguard their overall well-being.
