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Is Thumb Sucking a Cause for Concern?

baby-boys-brothers-careThumb-sucking is the earliest and the most common habit seen in infants. From the time, they are born there is a natural instinct of survival in them, one of which is thumb-sucking. Thumb-sucking provides comfort and security, reminiscent of the comforting womb environment. Sucking of the thumb is a normal habit in the early ages of the infant but is a cause of concern if it continues up to an older age. Sucking on a thumb provides a sense of security and emotional comfort, allowing the child to regulate their emotions and cope with stress and anxiety. Moreover, it aids in the natural instinct of feeding, as newborns suckle at their mother’s breast for nourishment.

Reasons for thumb-sucking:

  • Self-comfort: Sucking of thumb or digits helps infants’ self soothe from stressful situations or overwhelmed emotions.
  • Mimicking: Children often mimic other children and their actions, which can lead to mimicking habits like thumb-sucking.
  • For Sleep: For many kids, thumb sucking can be a way to relax their bodies which eventually leads them to fall asleep.
  • Teething: During the time of tooth eruption, there is discomfort in the gum region, leading to thumb-sucking to soothe the teething discomfort.
  • Boredom: Sometimes, when kids are bored doing anything, they tend to initiate thumb-sucking.

As children grow older, the thumb-sucking habit may go away eventually. But, if the thumb-sucking habit still persists beyond the age of 3-4 years, then the guardians or parents should be concerned.

Prolonged Thumb-sucking habit can lead to:

  • Dental Problems: Misalignment of teeth, and improper development of the jaw, and palate can occur.
  • Social and emotional Disturbances: If children have a persistent habit of thumb-sucking, it causes malignment of teeth, and this eventually can lead to social life disruption for the children. There can be teasing, causing social anxiety and embarrassment issues in further life.
  • Speech Problems: Due to the improper development of jaws, speech can be affected.
  • Skin Problems: There can be chapping, skin irritation and dryness of the mouth.
  • TMJ Problems: In some cases, due to thumb-sucking there can be strain produced on the Temporomandibular joint causing pain and discomfort.

Management of Thumb-sucking Habit:

  • Identify the Triggers: Try to observe why is your child thumb-sucking. Is it because he or she is bored or anxious or overwhelmed by the stressful situation? It can help to know the underlying cause of the thumb-sucking trigger which can help to rectify it.
  • Pacifier use limitation: If you have a habit of giving a pacifier to your kid every time he or she cries or throws a tantrum, then reduce that. Reducing the use of pacifiers can lead to stopping the thumb-sucking habit.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Instead of scolding or punishing to stop the thumb-sucking habit, try to provide praise or positive reinforcement to the kid. Rewarding the child for the efforts of breaking the habit can help eventually stop it.
  • Be Patient: Patience plays the main role here. Breaking a habit takes time, so instead of getting impatient, try providing encouragement for the same.
  • Distraction: Try to Distract your kid when u see a trigger coming by giving them a toy to play with or reading a book for them.
  • Offer comfort: As we know many kids do the thumb-sucking to seek comfort. To prevent thumb-sucking give them a cosy blanket or soft toy or teach them deep breathing techniques.
  • Thumb Guards: For older children trying to break the habit, provide thumb guards, which are specially designed for breaking the thumb-sucking habit.
  • Seek Professional Help: If thumb-sucking is causing dental issues or persists despite your efforts, consult a paediatric dentist or orthodontist. They can provide additional guidance and support to manage the habit effectively.

Conclusion:

Every child is unique. So, what might work for one, may not work for another kid. With patience and understanding, most children can successfully break the habit and transition to healthier ways of coping and self-soothing.

Teeth Care Centre is the Best Dental Clinic in Ahmedabad for all age groups, so we understand that every child is unique and their needs are important. So, to address the concerns of their parents we have a highly experienced team of Paediatric Dentists. Not only do they provide the best diagnosis and treatment for your kid, but also provide psychological counselling to the kids and their parents to make sure their first dental visit is fearless.

What is Digital Dentistry?

DIGITAL-SMILE-DESIGN-minDigital Dentistry is a term that encompasses any computer-based technology used in dentistry to enhance and improve treatment delivery. But, the history of digital dentistry does not stand alone, as Dr. Francois Duret, applied the rules & principles of CAD/CAM technology almost 40 years ago. Digital Dentistry has been a game changer, as it has revolutionized the way dentists diagnose, plan treatments, fabricate restorations, etc. that too with precision in work, improved accuracy, and enhanced patient comfort and satisfaction.

Digital dentistry includes:

1)Digital Imaging: Digital Imaging Technologies, like digital X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), have replaced the traditional methods of X-ray taking. This has allowed dental professionals to improve and enhance their diagnostic capabilities. Now, they can zoom in and out, increase or decrease the exposure, contrast, and colors of the image on the computer screen to make a precise diagnosis.

2)CAD/CAM Technology: Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have changed the fabrication of dental restorations. With the help of CAD/CAM technology dental professionals can digitally design dental restorations like crowns, veneers, bridges, and other prosthesis, which can be further milled, and 3D printing can be done. This increases the precision and quality of the prosthesis and nullifies the chances of errors like in traditional impression-taking and manufacturing methods and much more improved aesthetics.

3) Teledentistry and Consultations: Digital Dentistry has also paved a path for dental professionals and patients by facilitating virtual online consultations through video calling, image sharing portals, by which dentists can provide diagnosis and treatment plans, to patients with limited mobility.

4) Digital Smile Design: Digital Dentistry helps dental professionals to digitally customize and design the smile for their patients. With the help of digital smile designing software, dentists can modify, and analyze the smile design and can also see the most expected final result thereafter. This provides better treatment results and communications with the patients about their treatment goals.

5)Digital Treatment Planning: Digital Software allows dentists to make treatment plans for complex cases. For orthodontic treatments, digital software can be used by orthodontists to plan and simulate tooth movement and see the aesthetic outcome of the treatment virtually. It provides a roadmap to dentists along with patient satisfaction and comfort.

6)Intraoral Scanning: Goodbye to messy traditional impressions and hello to the new technology. Intraoral scanning has transformed the ways dental impressions were taken. Intraoral scanning is done with the help of intraoral scanners which capture the 3D model of the teeth and oral tissues of a patient in just a few minutes. That results in a precise outcome and no distortion of records. These scanned models can also be easily stored, shared, and used by both dentists and laboratory technicians. Intraoral scanning is used in taking impressions, for diagnosis, for clear aligner making, etc.

Advantages of digital dentistry:

  • Patient Comfort
  • Patient Engagement
  • More precision
  • Time-saving
  • Space saving
  • More Accurate treatment planning
  • Cost-effective
  • No gag reflex.

361236166_4367511343474973_6561623434220989550_nAs Technology continues to advance, there will more and more advancements in digital dentistry as well, which will be helpful in delivering better quality treatments for patients and working space for dental professionals. Teeth Care Centre the Best Dental Clinic in Ahmedabad, always believes in staying one step ahead when it comes to Advancement and Technology to provide precise dental treatments to all our patients. So, being the frontrunner here as well, we are India’s First Dental Clinic to embrace cutting-edge technology by accommodating the World’s No. 1 Ultra-Modern, Intraoral scanner, 3SHAPE TRIOS 5, which has redefined the standard of care in dentistry. Embracing this groundbreaking technology, TCC showcases its commitment to delivering exceptional dental services to its patients.

CAN LASERS BE USED IN DENTISTRY?

 

young-woman-in-printed-collared-shirt-seen-smiling-as-looking-atLASER is the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It works by delivering energy in the form of light. With the latest advancement in technology, lasers are now used in every field, including dentistry. The demand for lasers in dentistry has increased tremendously these days, as it provides comfort to patients and ease to work for dental professionals.

There are 2 different types of lasers used in dentistry:

1)Hard Tissue Lasers

2)Soft Tissue Lasers

Laser is used in a lot of different procedures:

  • Soft Tissue Procedure: Widely used in cutting and removing excess soft tissue growth,  reshaping the gums, and eliminating ulcers and lesions in the oral cavity. The laser provides minimal bleeding and discomfort and has much greater precision than traditional methods.
  • Teeth whitening procedures: Laser Teeth Whitening procedure is a big advantage in cosmetic procedures. The laser activates the bleaching agent which results in a whiter, brighter, and more beautiful smile.
  • Cavity Detection: Cavity detection is possible with lasers by scanning which helps in its prevention at an early stage.
  • Dental Fillings: Unlike traditional methods of removing decay by drilling, a conservative approach is taken with the help of lasers as there is minimal discomfort and anxiety to the patient, and also precision is provided for filling the cavity.
  • Gum Disease Treatment: Lasers are proven to be very effective in gum diseases like gingivitis & periodontitis, as lasers can target and eliminate bacterial growth and infection precisely without harming the healthier tissues and providing faster healing.
  • Gum Depigmentation: With laser the top layer of gum tissue is vaporized, which helps in destroying the cells that produce excessive melanin pigment.
  • Root Canal Treatment: Lasers can be used during root canal treatment for the disinfection of canals, which can improve the success rate of RCT.
  • Dental Surgery: Lasers can be used in procedures like Frenectomy, crown lengthening procedures& apicectomy.
  • TMJ Therapy: Laser can be used in treating the discomfort, pain, and swelling in the temporomandibular joint region.

Pros of Laser Dentistry: 

1)Minimal Invasion

2)Faster Healing

3)Reduced Pain

4)Reduced Bleeding

5)Precision

6)Minimal Scarring

7)Patient comfort

8) No Sutures

Cons of Laser Dentistry:

1)Expensive

2)Training and expertise are needed.

At Teeth Care Centre, Dr. Pankti Patel is the best dentist in Ahmedabad who has specialized in laser dentistry. She is well known for her expertise in dental care and her extensive knowledge of lasers. She has mastered various procedures using lasers. At Teeth Care Centre, we are committed to providing the best service and treatment to all our patients. So, we use the world’s no. one laser brand Biolase EpicX for you to achieve the most painless, comforting, and anxiety-free procedures.