According to the American Dental Association, thumb sucking that stops before four years of age doesn’t cause permanent teeth or jaw problems. Though 85-99% of children finish before this period, allowing this habit to continue past this point can result in issues with their oral health. Here are some of the complications that prolonged thumb sucking can cause as well as some tips on how to get your child to break the habit.
Why Your Child Sucks Their Thumb
If your child is still under the age of four, it’s completely safe and normal for them to suck their thumb. Putting their fingers and other objects in their mouth is a way for them to explore and learn to understand the world around them. Some children also use thumb sucking as a source of comfort much like a blanket or a stuffed animal. Though many children stop this behavior on their own, some kids may increase or return to it when they’re stressed or anxious.
Dangers of Thumb Sucking
While no condition can be caused exclusively by thumb sucking, past the age of four, the constant suction and pressure can lead to oral health issues such as changes in the palate (the roof of the mouth) and jaw. It can also affect when the teeth erupt through the gums and how the teeth line up. It’s important to monitor this habit to avoid issues such as:
- Crowded or crooked teeth,
- Receded lower jaw
- Speech problems
- Overbite
- Overjet, or a gap between the top and bottom teeth
- Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, which can cause discomfort or difficulty chewing
- Palate issues since thumb sucking puts strain on the bones of the roof of the mouth causing it to develop in a high, narrow shape
How to Help Your Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb
To guide your child away from thumb sucking, reinforce healthy behaviors rather than punishing bad ones. Some of the ways you can help your child stop include:
- Use a stuffed animal, a blanket, or a favorite toy as a replacement
- If thumb sucking has become habitual and they don’t even realize they’re doing it, deter them with reminders to draw their attention to the habit
- Discourage behavior by putting a bandage on their thumb
- Track their progress and reward them for good behavior
- If they’re old enough, communicate how thumb sucking can affect their oral health
- Avoid situations that may increase their stress levels and help them reduce or manage discomfort
If you have trouble encouraging healthy changes, consult your child’s dentist for assistance. They may recommend using a solution you hadn’t thought of to discourage thumb sucking and keep your child’s teeth, mouth, and jaw healthy.
About the Practice
Tic Tac Tooth is here to help keep your child’s smile healthy, happy, and bright! They provide high-quality, kid-friendly dentistry in an environment that’s safe, educational, and fun for your child. Dr. Jiana, Dr. Asim, Dr. Sandra, Dr. Sarah, and the rest of the talented and friendly Naperville team focus on providing gentle, preventive, conservative care to make sure your child feels comfortable and to keep their teeth strong and healthy. For more information on the effects of thumb sucking on your child’s oral health and how to encourage them to stop, call (630) 528-1394 or visit their website.