ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times

DATE: Tuesday, December 5, 1995              TAG: 9512050044
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
                                             TYPE: HEALTH NOTES 

TAKE NOTE

The New River Health District is reminding parents to be mindful of how long and how much their young children suck their thumbs.

Thumb-sucking is a natural reflex for young children. It is relaxing, and it can help them learn about their world.

But too much thumb-sucking can cause teeth and mouth problems, especially when adult teeth come in.

Something else to be aware of is how hard a child is sucking. Aggressive thumb-suckers may have teeth problems.

Children usually stop sucking between the ages of 2 and 2, as they spend more of their waking hours exploring their world.

For more information, call Larry McCoy, dentist with the New River Health District at 381-7110.

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