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Thumb-Sucking

Comfort, Habits and Oral Health
Best Practices

We all have that one thing that comforts us, makes us feel secure and relaxed. For many infants and young children, that comes in the form of thumb-sucking. Children suck their thumbs primarily as a self-soothing mechanism. It’s a natural reflex that provides comfort and security, especially during times of stress, tiredness or boredom. Thumb-sucking can also serve as a way for infants to explore their surroundings, as they often put objects in their mouths to learn about their environment. But as your child grows, it may begin to have an impact on their oral health.

Thumb-sucking

What Is Normal Thumb-Sucking Behavior?

Many children begin sucking their thumb or finger at a very young age, with some even starting this behavior inside the womb. Sucking is a natural reflex for infants, serving as a vital source of comfort and contentment. It’s also a soothing activity, which explains why many children suck their thumbs as they drift off to sleep.

According to the American Dental Association, most children naturally cease thumb-sucking between the ages of two and four as they outgrow the need for it. However, some continue this habit beyond preschool years, although research indicates that the likelihood decreases with age. When should you, as a parent, intervene? Once those permanent teeth come in, you may need to assist your child in helping break the habit.

Impacts Of Thumb-Sucking On Teeth

Unfortunately, this endearing habit in your newborn loses its charm when it begins to impact your child’s ability to chew or speak correctly. At Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend parents and caregivers gently discourage thumb-sucking as early as possible to prevent potential dental and developmental issues. A few negative impacts on dental health include:

Prolonged thumb-sucking can cause misalignment of your child’s teeth, which can result in issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites or open bites. As a result, your child may require orthodontic treatment in the future through braces of aligners to correct the alignment.

It can influence the shape of your child’s dental arches, causing them to become narrower or more constricted. This can affect the proper eruption and positioning of permanent teeth.

Persistent pressure from thumb-sucking can push against the roof of the mouth (palate), leading to changes in its shape, such as development of a high palate or narrowing of the upper dental arch.

Improper development of the jaws, teeth, and palate can result in speech impediments like lisps.

What Signs Should I Watch For?

First off, observe how your child engages in thumb-sucking. If they do so passively, with their thumb gently resting inside their mouth, there’s likely less potential for damage. On the other hand, if your child shows aggressive thumb-sucking behavior, exerting pressure on their mouth or teeth, it could lead to issues with tooth alignment and proper mouth development. Prolonged thumb-sucking can impact both dental structure and facial shape, potentially necessitating orthodontic treatment in the future. Should you suspect that the behavior is impacting their oral health at any point, please don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a visit—we’re here to help!

How Can I Help My Child Quit Thumb-Sucking?

At Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to helping you and your child. Here are some tips and tricks that may aid in stopping your child’s thumb-sucking:

  • Place a band-aid over their thumb at night. Discuss with your child that this is not a punishment, but a way to help them.
  • Try making a reward chart and let your child mark off or put a sticker up every day they don’t suck their thumb. If they get through an entire week, then have them choose a prize like a trip to get ice cream!
  • Encouraging your child to actively participate in their treatment will boost their motivation to overcome the habit.
  • If you observe your child sucking their thumb when they’re feeling anxious, prioritize addressing their anxiety rather than solely concentrating on the thumb-sucking behavior.
  • Identify specific instances when your child tends to engage in thumb-sucking, such as during long car rides or while watching movies, and introduce distractions during these times.
  • Clearly explain the potential consequences for their teeth if the thumb-sucking persists.
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When it comes to your family’s oral health, seeking the expertise of Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is a choice that ensures quality, personalized care. Whether you’re seeking pediatric dental care or orthodontic treatment for your family, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service every step of the way. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll experience professionalism, warmth and a commitment to creating healthy, beautiful smiles.