How Thumb Sucking Affects Adolescent Teeth
This blog has been reviewed by a pediatric dentist.
Letting your child suck their thumb or a pacifier as they get older may seem harmless, but after age two, this makes lasting impacts on your child’s bite and teeth. Thumb sucking can be a great way to self-soothe and calm a child down, but it’s also the parents’ job to help make sure they grow out of this habit. Not convinced it’s important that your child leave the habit behind? The longer the habit continues, the more severe the dental impacts may be. In fact, they may need orthodontic treatment that would have otherwise been unnecessary. Let’s discuss how thumb sucking affects adolescent teeth.
Impacts of Thumb Sucking on Teeth
The pressure from thumb sucking can shift teeth, leading to a crooked smile. This may be visible to the parent as they notice crooked teeth or teeth overlapping in abnormal ways. The spacing of teeth can also be impacted, making some teeth more crowded or some further apart than they should be.
Impact of Thumb Sucking on Bite
Thumb sucking and pacifier habits can cause a variety of bite problems. This is because the way the thumb or pacifier is held in the mouth varies from child to child. There are three common bite problems attributed to these habits, known as posterior crossbite, anterior open bite, and excessive overjet.
Posterior Crossbite– This occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower back teeth near the tongue when the child bites down. (image)
Anterior Open Bite– This occurs when the upper and lower front teeth have space between them when the child bites down. (image)
Excessive Overjet– This occurs when the upper front teeth protrude forward more than the other teeth. This is sometimes known as “buck teeth.” (image)
Impact of Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use on Speech and Chewing
The changes that thumb sucking makes to the teeth, bite, and jaw can cause even more issues. To name one, speech development. Parents may notice delays as their child struggles to pronounce certain words. They may develop a lisp. This is because thumb sucking affects the development of the palate, making it harder for children to articulate speech. In addition, chewing is harder when teeth are misaligned and your child may have difficulty eating certain foods.
Increased Risk of Dental Injuries
Because thumb sucking and pacifier use moves teeth out of alignment and changes the shape of the jaw, your child can become more susceptible to injury. Teeth with excessive overjet, for example, could be more likely to hit something if your child falls. This is yet another reason to help your child stop thumb sucking as soon as possible!
How to Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking or Using a Pacifier
Build Coping Skills– Focusing on building other coping skills for your child can be the easiest way to eliminate thumb sucking or pacifier use. A fidget toy could help them take their mind off sucking their thumb, for example. Breathing exercises when feeling anxious is another skill.
Limit it to Bedtime– By reducing how often your child sucks their thumb, without shaming them, you reduce the impact on teeth. However, after they fall asleep, its important that you make sure the thumb or pacifier has fallen out of their mouth.
Use Positive Reinforcement– Reward your child when they stop thumb sucking. Whenever you notice your child thumbsucking, kindly ask them to stop and reward them when they do! This can be a small reward such as a sticker, and rewards can get bigger and bigger over time until the habit stops. Use praise and recognize your child’s efforts, no matter how small.
Gently Remind Them– Your child may not always be aware they are sucking their thumb. Have a conversation with them about it. Let them know that thumb sucking can affect their teeth and introduce germs into their mouths. When you notice them sucking their thumb, try asking them about it, or telling them it’s not the time to do that. Avoid scolding them, be gentle but firm.
Conclusion
Thumb sucking can have many detrimental impacts on adolescent teeth. These impacts can be quite costly when it comes to corrective dental care. However, parents can mitigate these impacts by intervening and helping their child quit thumb sucking. Learn more about how to properly care for baby teeth by reading this blog.
Thumb Sucking Cessation Solutions in North Dallas
If your child has a stubborn thumb sucking habit, talk to your North Dallas Pediatric Dentist about ways you can help your child stop, beyond what’s detailed in this blog. At Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas, our pediatric dentists have years of experience helping children take care of their teeth. When it’s time to schedule your child’s comprehensive dental evaluation, call our office at 214-378-8868 or fill out this form. Our pediatric dental specialists will create a personalized dental care plan tailored to your child’s specific developmental stage, and needs.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
What are some ways to help my child stop sucking their thumb?
You can build coping skills, limit thumb sucking to bedtime, use positive reinforcement and gentle reminders to help your child stop sucking their thumb.
What happens to my child’s bite if they suck their thumb past the recommended age?
Crossbite, open bite, and overjet can occur. These require orthodontic intervention.
Will thumb sucking eventually affect my child’s speech?
Yes, thumb sucking can cause speech difficulties like lisps.
