Is Thumb Sucking Bad for Children's Teeth?

Infants come with a built in sucking reflex. Without it, trying to bottle or breast feed them would be extremely difficult! That's why it is completely natural for infants to suck on their thumb. 

Many parents find  thumb sucking preferable over giving their infant a pacifier because it helps soothe their babies and promotes relaxation. Although thumb sucking can be beneficial for soothing an infant, it can also create oral health problems later in life.

How Can Thumb Sucking Affect Teeth?

If children continue sucking their thumb during and after permanent teeth come in, it may cause problems with the growth and alignment of teeth as well as possibly cause changes in the roof of their mouth. 

The degree of sucking can determine whether the child may experience dental problems or not. For example, if a child passively rests the thumb in their mouth, they are less likely to develop problems that children who vigorously suck on their thumb. Children who are aggressive thumbsuckers may also develop problems with the growth of their primary teeth. 

Problems that may arise from thumb sucking include:

• Misplaced teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Problems swallowing properly
• Speech problems
• Protrusion and displacement of front teeth

How to Help a Child Break the Habit

Children typically stop sucking their thumb by the age of 4 or when their permanent teeth begin to erupt. One of the most important things you can do to encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb is to offer praise for not sucking. 

Children sometimes suck their thumb when they are feeling insecure or if they need comfort, so finding the cause of their anxiety may provide comfort and encourage them to break their thumb sucking habit. Schedule an appointment with your child's pediatric dentist for suggestions on how to encourage your child to stop sucking his or her thumb.

Contact Kingsland Dental Group to schedule an oral health examination to ensure your children's teeth are strong and healthy or to learn more information about how to help your child stop sucking their thumb.