How Thumb Sucking Impacts Children's Teeth

posted by Dr. Beau Beecher, DDS on 11/12/2024 in General

Thumb sucking is a very normal habit for children to have. In fact, studies show that 90 percent of newborns demonstrate some form of hand sucking by just two hours of age. Although mostly harmless, if kids don’t grow out of this habit naturally it can become a cause of dental issues later in life. Fortunately, the pediatric dentists at Kimball & Beecher can help. Read on to learn more about the impacts of thumb sucking and what parents can do about it.

Why Do Children Suck Their Thumbs?

There are many reasons why a child might suck their thumb. At the earliest ages, infants have a natural sucking reflex that leads them to put their hands and fingers in their mouth. Eventually, this becomes a self-soothing mechanism that makes them feel safe and secure. It can be a tool for emotional regulation, which is why children often turn to thumb sucking during times of stress.

When Should a Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb?

In general, most children naturally grow out of their thumb sucking habit between the ages of two and four. However, it can sometimes persist with older children reverting back to sucking their thumb during especially stressful situations, changes in environment, or simply as a means of stimulation. If they have not stopped this habit after the age of five, it could be time to look at other treatment options.

The Dental Effects of Prolonged Thumb Sucking

When the thumb sucking habit hasn’t gone away by the time permanent teeth start growing in, it can start to lead to longer term dental problems that require correction. These are some of the most common effects of prolonged thumb sucking.

• Overbite: The upper front teeth may be pushed forward, causing significant overlap with the bottom teeth.
• Open Bite: Pressure from the thumb can prevent the top and bottom front teeth from meeting properly, leaving a gap between them.
• Crossbite: The top front teeth are pushed inward, causing them to bite inside the bottom teeth.
• Misaligned Teeth: The force of the thumb can push teeth out of place leading to crooked or crowded teeth.
• Jaw Misalignment: Thumb sucking can interfere with proper development of the jaw and mouth, leading to a misaligned bite or narrowing of the palate.
• Speech Issues: Changes in the oral structure may also contribute to speech issues such as a lisp or difficulty pronouncing words.

If you’re concerned that any of these issues are developing due to prolonged thumb sucking, schedule an appointment with your family dentist.

How a Dentist Can Help With Thumb Sucking

As your children grow up, it’s especially important to maintain regular dental appointments every six months. This allows your dentist to monitor their development and get ahead of any potential issues. Here are some of the ways they can help if thumb sucking is becoming problematic.

• Positive Reinforcement: The most simple and effective measure is to encourage the behavior you want with positive reinforcement. This could be praise and small rewards when they are not sucking their thumb, or even a tracking system where they earn prizes each day they go without the habit.
• Provide Distractions: In some cases, thumb sucking is a response to a child’s need for stimulation. Try engaging them with crafts or toys that keep their hands busy and distracted from the desire to suck their thumb.
• Have a Conversation: As children get older, you can give them gentle advice on why it’s important to break the habit. You can even ask for their input on what would be effective in helping them stop. Make sure these conversations are age-appropriate and positive, as additional stress can compound the issue.
•  Limit Access: Another tactic dentists may recommend is limiting access to the thumb making it difficult or unpleasant to suck. You could cover the hand with a sock during the night, wear a thumb shield during the day, or your dentist can prescribe a bitter medication to coat the thumb.
• Oral Appliance: If other methods aren’t having the desired effect, your dentist can fit your child with a thumb sucking appliance. These appliances have a plastic or metal shield that covers the roof of the mouth, preventing easy access. By creating a physical obstacle that makes it uncomfortable or difficult to suck their thumb it disrupts the patterns and helps them grow out of the habit. They may need to wear the appliance for six months to a year before seeing lasting results.

Schedule an Appointment With Kimball & Beecher

From thumb sucking to baby teeth, Kimball & Beecher dentists are here to help your family. We take pride in creating a safe and comfortable environment for children that helps them build healthy dental habits that last a lifetime. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at any of our locations. In many cases we can even see you the same day!