Thumb-sucking is a normal habit for many infants and toddlers, as it helps them to self-soothe when they feel scared or anxious. While it might be cute at this age, prolonged practice can become a problem for your child’s oral health. Unfortunately, breaking this habit can often be difficult for many parents; however, failing to do so can lead to many issues involving your little one’s oral and facial development. Keep reading to learn what can happen if thumb-sucking does not stop and which positive and encouraging tactics can be used to stop the problem.
Oral & Facial Development: The Effects of Thumb-Sucking
When a child sucks their thumb, they not only create a powerful suction but also, they place additional pressure on the backsides of teeth (especially the upper front two teeth).
As the habit continues, various problems can occur that negatively impact their bite, speech, enamel, and facial development. For example, the following are a few specific issues that can develop:
- An overbite or overjet that results in reduced self-confidence among school-aged children
- Worn tooth enamel because of pressure placed on certain teeth
- An open bite that doesn’t allow your child’s front teeth to touch but only the back ones
- Problems chewing and swallowing certain foods
- A lisp or other similar speech impediments
- Unnatural shifting of teeth that can impact the child’s facial structure
Can a Dentist Help Address These Issues?
Yes, a dentist can help mitigate problems associated with thumb-sucking, but as a parent, you must be proactive in seeking care for your child.
While it’s best to try and stop the habit before it causes any of the above-mentioned issues, orthodontic intervention may be necessary if bite misalignment is already evident. Of course, your child must be a certain age before any kind of braces can be applied.
In the meantime, your child’s dentist may suggest alternative ways to stop thumb-sucking at home and minimize further damage. These include:
- Make your child more aware of their habit. Oftentimes, it can be a practice they perform unknowingly. By helping them notice it each time they try to insert their thumb into their mouth, they may become more apt to stop.
- Provide an alternative. Instead of letting your child continue to suck their thumb, give them something else to help them feel comfortable or less anxious. This might be a blanket or a special toy.
- Provide encouragement and praise. When an instance occurs that would normally cause your child to suck their thumb, give them praise for not engaging in the practice.
- Ask your child’s dentist about a physical deterrent, such as a thumb-sucking guard, to help keep them from inserting their thumb into their mouth.
Devoting the time to helping your child give up this harmful habit will not only save them from enduring orthodontic treatment later in life, but you’ll also avoid spending additional money on something that can be prevented early on.
About the Author
Dr. Kathy French has more than 35 years of experience working in dentistry and enjoys helping patients of all ages take better care of their smile. When working with children who practice non-nutritive habits, like thumb-sucking, she and her team at Hamilton Lakes Dentistry can provide helpful tips and suggestions to make stopping this unhealthy practice a less stressful task. If you need help encouraging your child to stop sucking their thumb, visit our website or call (630) 394-5567.