A lot of children suck their thumbs before bed or as they sleep because it gives them a sense of comfort and security. During infancy and early toddlerhood, this is a natural reflex and is not usually something parents need to worry about. Problems can arise as your little one approaches late toddlerhood to early childhood since their jaw takes shape as adult teeth grow. Read on to learn how thumb sucking can impact your child’s sleep and health.
Creates Habit Reliance
Although thumb sucking starts as a normal self-soothing mechanism, some kids struggle to drop the habit; sucking on a thumb, finger, or pacifier releases good hormones (endorphins), and that sensation can become addictive.
Moreover, if a child always sucks their thumb before falling asleep, it can go beyond a basic connection since the brain forms a connection between the two. In other words, they may assume that thumb or finger sucking means sleeping, so neglecting to do so may result in restlessness or difficulty falling asleep.
Rather than force your child to abruptly stop sucking their thumb at night, gradually reduce the behavior. For example, if your little one sucks their thumb while you read to them, stop them before they begin and offer an alternative like a stuffed animal or blanket to hold onto instead. By redirecting them with healthy comfort objects, they can slowly learn to self-soothe without thumb sucking.
Potential Sleep Apnea
Most of us wouldn’t put children and sleep apnea in the same sentence as we often see the sleep condition in adults. However, constant thumb sucking puts pressure on the jaw and palate, which can lead to potential sleep apnea in children.
Moreover, prolonged sleep apnea can leave an individual feeling irritable and having difficulty concentrating due to mental exhaustion. In serious cases, if left untreated, it can also lead to metabolic and cardiovascular issues later in life.
It Can Cause Dental and Jaw Issues
Thumb sucking can also impact your child’s sleep and health by causing issues with jaw development. By sucking on their thumb throughout the night, it can cause the upper and lower jaws to become misaligned. This can lead to chewing, biting, and even speech development issues.
Additionally, constant thumb sucking can result in dental issues such as a(n)
- Open bite: The front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed together.
- Crossbite: The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down.
- Overbite: The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much.
- Underbite: The lower teeth sit before the upper teeth when biting down.
These dental issues can be painful and affect a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Not to mention, fixing the above dental and jaw problems typically requires orthodontic intervention.
Take Action Early
The earlier you intervene, the easier it is to help your child develop healthy sleep habits and reduce the negative side effects of sucking their thumb. Work with your child’s doctor to determine the best course of action and develop a plan that works for your family. The quicker you take action, the easier it is to find the ideal solution for your little one so you can ensure that they sleep soundly every night.
