Understanding the Affects of Thumb Sucking

Infants and young children often suck their thumb as a form of comfort or as a soothing mechanism. Parents must understand thumb sucking can cause lifelong dental problems if the habit continues as permanent teeth replace baby teeth. Thumb sucking can affect the alignment of the permanent teeth or the growth of the mouth. In addition, thumb sucking may cause changes to the roof of the mouth or palate.

The intensity of the thumb sucking and length of time the child sucks their thumb or fingers can be a factor in determining what, if any, dental problems occur. Not all children who suck their thumb will have dental problems related to the habit but thumb sucking is a key factor for many cases. Aggressive thumb sucking may even cause dental problems affecting the primary or baby teeth while passive thumb sucking may not cause any dental problems.

Many parents give their baby a pacifier, thinking it is a better alternative to thumb sucking. When in truth pacifiers may cause the same sort of problems as thumb sucking. Parents should discourage thumb sucking if possible and encourage their child to quit sucking their thumb or give up their pacifier as early as possible.

Dental Problems Associated with Thumb Sucking

Misaligned teeth are the most prevalent dental problem caused by thumb sucking. Additional dental problems associated with thumb sucking include:

• misaligned jaw
• overbite
• problems with speech development

All of these dental problems can have lifelong consequences that might have been avoided if thumb sucking or pacifier use had been discouraged or stopped earlier.

Suggestions to Help your Child Stop Sucking their Thumb

Most children will stop sucking their thumb by age four or five. However some children will continue the habit longer causing their parents concern about the effect it would have on the child’s permanent teeth.

While encouraging the child to give up thumb sucking or their pacifier, parents should be supportive and use positive reinforcement to help the child quit. Most children suck their thumb as a form of comfort and will respond better to positive encourage instead of scolding or punishment. Parents should use positive reinforcement such as:

• comfort the child if they are feeling anxious
• praise the child if they don’t suck their thumb
• if necessary enlist the help of the child’s dentist

Older children may benefit from a dental appliance called a tongue crib to stop sucking their thumb. This dental appliance can also stop a tick called tongue thrust which can result from thumb sucking.

Conclusion

Thumb sucking is a childhood habit that should not be ignored by parents. Dental problems as a result of thumb sucking are preventable. If your child is a thumb sucker use positive encouragement to help them stop.

Children should begin visiting the dentist as early as one year of age. If your child has not been to the dentist, make an appointment today. The dentist can address your concerns about thumb sucking or your child’s dental health, as well as help your child learn proper dental care techniques.