Effects of Thumb Sucking on Teeth and What Parents Need to Know
If you’re like most parents, you worry about everything from when your child will start walking and potty training to how thumb sucking beyond a certain age will impact their dental health. But rest assured, thumb sucking is a natural instinct for many children. And most outgrow it before it becomes problematic. But just in case you’re still concerned, read on to learn why kids suck their thumbs, what happens if they continue to thumb suck and some great tips on how to encourage your child to stop.
Why Do Children Suck Their Thumbs?
Did you know some ultrasounds have shown babies sucking their thumbs in the womb? To say this is an instinct would be putting it mildly. Babies often suck thumbs as a way to relax or self-soothe, as it mimics the suckling motion during breastfeeding. And when babies nurse or take a bottle, it is more than just eating. It’s a time of bonding to the people who make them feel safe.
Even as children grow, that same sensation found in thumb sucking makes them feel calm and safe. And that’s not a bad thing! After all, we want our children to feel safe, grow to be independent and find ways to relax and self-soothe. So sometimes when a child finds themselves in a stressful situation, the go-to way to manage those big feelings is through thumb sucking.
When Should Children Stop Sucking Their Thumbs?
Most children stop sucking their thumbs either in infancy (6-9 months) or toddlerhood (2-4 years.) There is some conflicting and confusing information as to when babies and children should stop to prevent issues with teeth and jaw development. Some sites say not to worry until permanent teeth are coming in, whereas others suggest putting a stop to it before kindergarten.
The problem is that every child develops differently. So while some kids begin losing teeth as early as 5 (or even 4!), other children don’t lose their first tooth until they are 8. In order to minimize and prevent oral issues, The Super Dentists encourage your child to stop vigorous or constant thumb sucking between ages 4-5. This will also give you time to use gradual and positive steps to wean them rather than racing against the clock as the first adult teeth erupt.
Long-term Impact on Teeth and Jaws from Thumb Sucking
So why does it matter if your Super Kid sucks their thumb? As noted, it can actually have a large and lasting impact on the development of their teeth and jaws and beyond. But keep one thing in mind – how often and how hard they suck their thumb is a big factor. If your child lightly sucks their thumb unconsciously at night, it’s probably not a big deal. However, if your child is sucking forcefully, quickly or constantly, even during the daytime hours, it could impact their mouths.
The long-term effects of thumb sucking may include:
- Misaligned bite. This can be an overbite, overjet, open bite or crossbite. Essentially, the upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly. This can lead to worn enamel or cracked or broken teeth, as well as other issues.
- Palate issues. This refers to the roof of their mouths. The palate may become misshapen or overly sensitive. This could even contribute to sleep apnea later in life.
- Change to the jaw shape.
- Speech issues. Incorrect shaping and formation of the jaws, teeth and palate can lead to speech impediments such as lisps. In some cases, even speech therapy cannot undo or fix the speech issues caused by malformation of the mouth.
Costly Downside to Thumb Sucking
This cute little habit in your snuggly newborn becomes a lot less cute when it starts affecting your child’s ability to properly chew or speak. And it can become very costly very quickly. Add up the cost of repairing, pulling or replacing cracked or broken teeth, getting kids braces to correct jaw and teeth alignment issues, headgear or palate spacers, or even surgery to correct severe oral issues and you’re looking at a large sum of money.
But even beyond the financial burden of thumb sucking is the social cost. Let’s face it, people can be unkind. A child still sucking their thumb at school is more prone to being made fun of. And even as adults, speech impediments can get you teased. Stopping thumb sucking can allow the wonder and beauty of your child to shine through while also minimizing societal challenges they face.
Tips on Breaking the Habit
So how can you get your child to break the thumb-sucking habit before it becomes problematic? The Super Dentists is happy to provide some fun, positive and effective ways to reduce thumb sucking.
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- Praise or Reward your child for not sucking their thumb. You know your kid best. If saying something in the moment makes them feel seen and proud in their efforts, acknowledge it. If they thrive on physical rewards like stickers on a chart, use them.
- Plan a Special Outing if your child is suck-free for a certain number of days.
- Shoot for a Time Restriction such as no sucking the thumb an hour before bedtime. Little, attainable goals can lead to longer, sustainable periods without thumb sucking.
- Distract your child when they start thumb sucking with different activities or soothing options such as a stuffed animal or a comforting blanket.
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- Create a safe place within the home to reduce stress.
- Recognize triggers to your child’s thumb sucking and work to reduce the triggers or develop safe alternatives.
Finally, if all else fails, Bring your child to The Super Dentists! Older children may be more open and understanding to the information about the potential issues of thumb sucking from professionals. And a trip to The Super Dentists is always a good time! Call (855) GO SUPER to schedule an appointment.
