Thumb Sucking and Its Impact on Teeth – What Parents Need To Know

Sometimes our children do some actions that we find really cute, but we don't realize that these habits can drastically impact their well-being. The thumb sucking habit is one of them. We often see babies with thumbs or fingers in their mouths but we take it only as what children do during their early age. But sometimes, what they do at an early age can have a long-lasting impact.

This blog discusses in detail why children suck their thumbs, what impacts this habit has on teeth, and how you can treat if teeth get misaligned.

What is Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a natural and self-soothing behavior in which a child places his thumb in his mouth and sucks it for the sake of comfort, relaxation, or security.

Most children begin sucking their thumbfrom a young age, with many even beginning inside the womb.

Why Do Children Suck Their Thumbs

Researchers have given multiple reasons to explain why babies put their thumbs inside their mouths. Some of the reasons are discussed here.

Natural Reflex

Rooting and sucking are reflexes that babies are born with. Therefore, whenever they have a chance, those reflexes will guide them to suck on their fingers or their thumbs.

Sense of Security

Thumb sucking is deeply connected to a child’s sense of security. It's a self-soothing mechanism that helps children cope with stress, anxiety, or unfamiliar situations and calm themselves.

Boredom and Sleep Aid

Children often turn to habitual behaviors like thumb sucking when they are bored and have nothing to do to occupy themselves similar to how adults might tap their fingers when bored. Children even suck their thumbs to feel comfort when they are going to sleep.

When Feeling Hungry

Babies are born with natural reflexes of sucking to help them feed effectively. When they feel hungry, they instinctively try to suck on anything available, including their thumb and fingers. Thumb sucking in infants often indicates that they are hungry and need to be fed.

How Thumb Sucking Affects Teeth

Thumb sucking in all forms and all ages is not harmful. In fact, it is normal and does not cause any harm to children under the age of 4 if they are doing passive thumb sucking without any motion. However, vigorous thumb sucking after a certain age can cause damage to baby teeth and if the habit doesn't stop in time, it can also affect permanent teeth.

The following bullet points explain the impacts of thumb sucking on baby teeth:

Asymmetrical Bite

Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to an asymmetrical bite. When children suck their thumb, constant pressure is applied to the upper teeth and roof of the mouth. This pressure causes teeth to move out of alignment causing issues like open bite,overbite,or overjet.

Chewing and Swallowing Difficulties

Thumb sucking alters the jaw and teeth alignment and causes malocclusions. These malocclusions don't allow upper and lower teeth to meet properly, thus, causing difficulty in biting, chewing, and swallowing mechanisms.

Problems in Development

Thumb sucking has impacts not only on oral development but also on social growth. It weakens the oral muscles and interferes with the development of the jaw. Moreover, it also hinders the social development of a child. Children who continue thumb sucking in later years may face social stigma, bullying, or embarrassment, affecting their self-esteem and confidence.

Speech Problems

The position of the tongue and shape of the mouth are also altered with prolonged thumb sucking, leading to speech impediments like lisping and delayed language articulation. It also makes producing certain sounds very difficult.

Irregular Wear of Enamel surface

Thumb sucking not only impacts the teeth' alignment but also causes irregular wear on the surface of the tooth. Constant and vigorous thumb sucking damages the surface of the enamel due to the forceful rubbing of the thumb against the teeth.

Increased Risk of Infections

Thumb sucking exposes children to harmful bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of infections. Sucking the thumb allows these pathogens to enter the mouth. The mouth, being warm and moist, provides a favorable breeding environment for these pathogens. These harmful microorganisms cause multiple gums, teeth, and mouth diseases.

Ideal Age to Stop Thumb Sucking

Many children end up stopping their thumb sucking habit by themselves. If they don't, it becomes necessary to stop the thumb sucking habit before the age of 4 as it may leave some oral health impacts on the child. If your kid happens to be over 4 years and continues to suck his thumb frequently, consult with their pediatrician or dentist. They may recommend treatments or strategies that you can try with your child, in order to help them get rid of thumb sucking as a habit.

Help Your Child Leave Thumb Sucking Habit

Although thumb sucking is a natural reflex, if it continues beyond the toddler years, it can lead to multiple physical, oral, and mental issues. Here are some of the strategies you can opt to stop your child from sucking their thumb.

Positive Reinforcements

Praise your child for the time they refrain from sucking their thumb rather than punishing them for doing this. Make this process enjoyable for them by offering prizes and rewards to motivate them. To make the process more engaging, let them track their progress on charts.

Gentle Reminders

It's difficult to leave old habits, so don't force your child to quit this habit, and don't scold them for doing it as this will make the environment stressful and will urge them to suck more often. Instead, give them gentle reminders and calmly ask them to stop whenever you notice them sucking their thumb.

Identify Triggers

Investigate the real cause of their thumb sucking habit so that it can be dealt with efficiently. Try diverting their attention. For example, if it occurs in stressful moments or when the child is anxious, soothe him by giving a hug or doing something that is generally calming to the child.

Distracting Techniques

Try distracting them by offering alternatives to thumb sucking. Give them a pillow, their favorite blanket, or a stuffed toy to squeeze in stressful situations. Keep them occupied with arts and crafts or play their favorite sport with them. Allow them to vent out what they are feeling if they are old enough to do so.

Use a Thumb Guard

Thumb guards come in many types and forms which are specially made to refrain your child from sucking their thumbs. The child can wear the guard all the time or during the night to physically prevent thumb sucking when they are asleep.

Consult a Pediatric Scientist

If none of the above-mentioned strategies help and you don't notice any change in the behavior or habit of your child, consult a pediatric dentist. They can offer you their expertise and tips to manage thumb sucking. A dentist may recommend a dental appliance or other products that can help.

Treatments to Correct Dental Misalignments Caused By Prolonged Thumb Sucking

If you notice dental misalignments due to prolonged thumb sucking even after the permanent teeth emerge, orthodontists recommend several treatment options to correct them. Here is the detail of some of them:

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners can effectively treat the bite issues caused by prolonged thumb sucking. These are the invisible trays made up of clear plastic. They are made custom-fit, keeping in view the shape and size of your teeth. They are very comfortable and removable, allowing you to enjoy your meal and maintain oral hygiene.

Braces

Braces are effective in treating severe cases. They consist of metal wires and brackets to help position your child’s teeth to their ideal locations by exerting gradual pressure on teeth. Your child must wear braces for 1-3 years to correct the bite issues or misalignments.

Surgery

If the habit of thumb sucking has interfered with the growth and development of your jaw or facial structures, surgery may be required to position your jaw and palate into the right place and shape.

ALIGNERCO: Your Smile’s Best Friend

ALIGNERCO stands out by offering the most innovative and latest solutions to your misaligned teeth. We know the importance of combining cutting-edge technology and expert orthodontic care. That’s why we make clear aligners with high-quality plastic.

Why ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners Stand Out

Here is why:

Discreet Design

If you fear the moments where you have to explain your teeth alignment journey, ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners are the perfect choice for you. Our clear aligners, made up of transparent plastic are practically clear and nearly invisible. You can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing - no awkward “brace face” moments here.

Cost-Effective

ALIGNERCO is transparent about pricing with attractive and competitive deals on invisible aligners. Now, you don't have to strain your budget to get professional dental care. Also, we give you the leverage to pay in installments by offering multiple payment plans.

Convenience

Say goodbye to endless orthodontist appointments. With ALIGNERCO, you can get straight teeth without leaving your home. Just order the aligners, send us your impressions, and get your aligners treatment at your doorstep.

Final Thoughts

Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to serious dental problems. By recognizing the triggers and possible effects of thumb sucking you can use effective strategies to help your child quit the habit. You can safeguard their smile and promote proper dental growth if you observe any misalignment. Reach out to ALIGNERCO for top-quality treatment for yourself and your family.