How to Handle Thumb Sucking
You might not have guessed it, but learning to suck their thumbs is one of the first physical skills babies acquire. In fact, ultrasound images have revealed babies sucking their thumbs in the womb! Babies have a natural sucking reflex, and this activity is a normal soothing mechanism.
If your toddler still turns to the thumb for comfort, no need to worry; most children naturally surrender this habit as they grow, and generally stop completely between the ages of two and four. But, what if your child doesn’t stop? Should you encourage your child to stop? And when?
When Thumb Sucking Becomes a Challenge
After your child turns five, and certainly when permanent teeth start to arrive, aggressive thumb sucking is something to track and address. This type of vigorous sucking, which puts pressure on the teeth and gums, can lead to a number of problems:
Open Bite
Our bites are considered normal when the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, where they touch in the front of the mouth. However, with aggressive thumb sucking, teeth are pushed out of alignment. Sometimes this results in a condition called “open bite,” where the upper and lower teeth don’t make contact at all. An open bite almost always requires orthodontic treatment.
Jaw Problems
Your child’s palate and jaw are still growing. Aggressive thumb sucking can actually change the shape of the palate and jaw, and even affect facial structure. Again, orthodontic treatment can help, but prevention is always the better option.
Speech Difficulties
Prolonged thumb sucking has been suggested as a risk factor for speech disorders such as lisping, the inability to pronounce certain letters, or tongue thrusting. Such consequences from aggressive thumb sucking can be prevented with early intervention.
So, what should you do if you’re worried about your child’s thumb sucking habit?
Rest-assured that most children stop thumb sucking on their own, and with no negative dental effects at all. If, however, your child is still aggressively thumb sucking once permanent teeth have started erupting, or if there are noticeable changes in baby teeth, let’s set up a solution-oriented consultation. We are here to offer suggestions to help your child break the habit at home. If necessary, there are also dental appliances available that can discourage thumb sucking if your child finds it especially hard to stop.
Secondly, try to remain positive and to work with your child to break this habit. Positive reinforcement and praise can be particularly effective with motivating younger children. Make a chart with stickers to reward every thumb-free day. Pick out a favorite book to read or an activity you can share.
Communicate with your child to identify thumb sucking triggers. Children associate thumb sucking with comfort and security. If your child turns to the thumb when anxious, try to discover what is bothering your child and how you can best reassure them. If your child automatically appears to turn to thumb sucking when bored, find an engaging activity to help with redirection. If your child is hungry, offer a healthy snack.
Be open with your child about how this habit might be impacting oral health. Depending on age, it might help your child to understand why stopping this habit is important. We are more than happy to help you explain, in a positive, age-appropriate way, just how breaking the thumb sucking habit will help to promote healthy teeth and smile.
Again, most children leave their thumb sucking behind naturally and easily. But, if what is a comfort for your child has become a concern for you, please reach out to us. We will work with you and your child to prevent future orthodontic problems and begin a lifetime of beautiful smiles!
