My child is 3 and uses it at night and nap time, his front teeth seem to be taking on a bucky shape. My wife inists his teeth were already crooked before the pacifier, but logic tells me otherwise..please help.
2007-02-24 20:26:50 · 6 answers · asked by Swiss Rugger 1 in Health ➔ Dental
like everyone mentioned, it's not really a big deal if sucking thumbs, or pacifiers is performed, unless the child forms a habit where they're always doing so.
People say that it's just deciduous (primary) teeth anyway, but what people don't know is one of the main roles of deciduous teeth is they're a guide for the permanent teeth, so screwed up baby teeth can affect the adult teeth when they come out.
2007-02-24 20:59:50 · answer #1 · answered by Allen S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thumb or finger sucking habits can cause tooth misalignment or jaw deformation. The degree of disruption depends on several factors: how hard the child sucks, how often, and to what age. The common problems produced by these habits are Protrusive upper front teeth. This can be a simple tooth position problem, where the upper incisor teeth are tipped forward. Occasionally the formation of the jaw can be affected, and the upper jaw and teeth will develop in a protrusive relationship to the rest of the face.
Tipped back lower front teeth. Commonly found with thumb sucking: the pressure of the thumb forces the lower incisor teeth to tip toward the tongue.
Open bite. The upper and lower front teeth do not overlap when the back teeth are together. The shape of the opening between the upper and lower front teeth may match the child’s finger or thumb exactly.
Crossbite. The formation of the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw, so that the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly. This seems to occur as a result of the flexing of the cheek muscles during sucking. There are three variables to consider: duration, intensity, and frequency.
Duration: Before the age of five, there are usually no jaw formation problems, although you may notice the front teeth getting out of line. Orthodontists do not usually make an effort to stop the habit before this age. After the age of five or six the shape of the jaw may be affected by the sucking activity, so some action should be taken.
Intensity: Some children suck a lot harder than others and may cause a lot more damage. Others suck into their teens without any affect on tooth position or jaw structure.
Frequency: If it is less than one hour each day and the thumb or finger falls out at night, the habit is not a problem even after the age of five. However, if the child sucks all night beyond this age some action may be needed.
2007-02-24 20:35:32 · answer #2 · answered by OHIOCOP50 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but dentists and doctors will tell you it doesn't matter because the teeth will be gone by the time they're 4-5yrs. I still don't believe them. Some kids dont lose their teeth until their 8-9yrs. Then, you look at the new teeth being pushed crooked by the baby teeth. If the baby teeth aren't straight it's harder for the new teeth to grow properly.
2007-02-24 20:33:43 · answer #3 · answered by mitch_2563 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can. but those are baby teeth and will be coming out in a few years.
2007-02-24 20:29:22 · answer #4 · answered by Tumbling Dice 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
yes it does we just took my niece off it and shes two... the dentist told us to
2007-02-24 21:22:11 · answer #5 · answered by Mzbossy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes ,it can!I would go te the dentist with him.take care!
2007-02-24 22:15:59 · answer #6 · answered by Luzzuboat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋