NASTY HABIT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32419, 17 April 1944, Page 6

NASTY HABIT

DANGERS OF THUMB-SUCKING FRONT TEETH PUSHED OUT Does your baby suck its thumb? Your child may look appealing tvhen asleep with its thumb in its mouth, but in years to come appeal will be definitely lacking if the thumb is allowed to remain there. The habit, of thumb-sucking is unfortunately allowed to continue with some children till they are five years old or more, says a statement by the Thames Dental Clinic. Upper front teeth may be pushed forward by pressure of the tongue on the thumb. The shape of the upper arch suffers, too, after a prolonged period. Permanent front teeth are caused to erupt out of position. Children like to suck their thumbs because they get a sense of comfort. But the harm done outweighs the comfort gained. Mothers often say thumb-sucking has been encouraged,; if this is so, the habit is difficult to correct. ' All efforts at correction are defied by some children, but in these cases this results generally through the habit being permitted at an early age. Think about the harm that may be caused: that is the advice to parents who tolerate the habit. If they considered the potential harm they would not let their children act thus.