Healthy children spend around a third of their time sucking on a pacifier, thumb, or other object. But when does breastfeeding become a concern?
One possible sign of breastfeeding concerns is lip sucking in children. Have you noticed your child sucking on their lip and wondering if it’s harmful?
This article examines why children suck their lips and what it could mean for your family. Read on to find out if you need to worry or not.
Dental Effects
When people chew their lips for a long time and hard, it can hurt their teeth in a lot of ways. Because the air puts constant pressure on the teeth, the upper front teeth can move forward or get out of place. This can cause an overbite, where the upper teeth touch the lower teeth a lot, or an open bite, where there is a space between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are closed.
Speech Concerns
Toddler licking lips can make it hard to learn to talk, especially if it becomes a habit. The habit can change the tongue’s position and make it hard to move properly when speaking. This can make it hard to make certain sounds, leading to lisping or other speech problems. But don’t worry, if any children facing this type of speaking problem, then you can try speech therapy products from Bjorem Speech Publications.
If the habit keeps up, it might get harder to fix the speech problems without help from a professional, like a speech therapist.
Skin Problems
Constantly moistening and rubbing your lips can lead to several skin problems around the mouth. Because the skin is always in touch with saliva, it can become too wet, creating a damp environment that can cause irritation, redness, and cracking.
In more serious cases, the skin may break, which can cause sores or even illnesses. Also, the steady suction motion can make the skin dry and crack, worsening skin problems.
Social and Emotional Impact
Children who continue to engage in lip sucking as they grow older may face social and emotional consequences. Peers may notice the habit and tease or make fun of the child, negatively impacting their self-esteem and confidence.
This, in turn, may affect their social interactions and relationships. Parents must provide support and address any emotional concerns that may arise from the habit to ensure the child’s overall well-being.
Oral Health Complications
Prolonged lip sucking can have implications for oral health beyond dental and skin issues, highlighting the importance of seeking professional guidance from a Dentist Near Me to address potential complications and ensure your child’s oral well-being. Early intervention and regular dental check-ups can help prevent future problems and brighten those smiles.
The continuous suction and pressure on the lips and surrounding oral tissues can disrupt the natural balance of saliva production and flow. This imbalance may contribute to dry mouth (xerostomia), increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum problems.
Ditch the Lip Sucking Style
In conclusion, some potential dangers are associated with lip sucking in children, and parents should be aware of them. If the slurping and smacking continue even after education and positive reinforcement stop, they should contact their child’s healthcare practitioner for assistance.
The potential risks are preventable if caught in time, so don’t hesitate to take action.
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