Nearly all infants and toddlers suck their thumbs or fingers. In the early stages of life, this is natural, as babies have a sucking reflex. Thumb sucking is not a concern at this stage, as it is a soothing habit that releases endorphins and dopamine, hormones that increase feelings of pleasure. However, problems can arise if toddlers continue this habit into childhood. Continued thumb sucking can cause damage to oral development. Below, we’ve detailed how early signs of thumb sucking damage show and the signs of an issue.
When Thumb Sucking Damage Shows
Generally, oral damage begins to show between the ages of four to five years old. This is because most kids begin losing their baby teeth at this age, at which point thumb sucking becomes a serious issue. Continuing thumb sucking at this point can cause permanent teeth to grow at an angle, leading to potential misalignment of the jaw.
Signs of Thumb Sucking Damage
Knowing how early signs of thumb sucking damage start to show is as important as recognizing the signs of thumb sucking damage.
Tongue Thrusting
Some children experience tongue thrusting, a condition in which the tongue pushes forward when swallowing. This can result in an open bite, speech problems, and difficulty breathing through the nose.
Jaw Misalignment
Children who suck their thumb may have misaligned teeth. In some cases, thumb sucking can cause the jaw to grow unevenly or become misaligned, leading to difficulty chewing or biting. Fixing this may require a visit to a dental specialist or, in serious cases, surgery.
Thumb sucking can also deform the shape of the jaw due to the constant pressure and position of the thumb in the mouth. This can create an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, impacting oral health and other areas, such as speech.
Speech Problems
Thumb sucking can also affect a child’s speech development. Constant pressure on the roof of the mouth from thumb sucking can lead to changes in tongue placement and muscle development, which can result in speech impediments such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
Experiencing speech difficulties can be frustrating for children, especially as they attend school. The child may feel less inclined to speak due to the fear of being teased by their peers. This may increase feelings of low self-esteem and social anxiety.
Treating Thumb Sucking
There are numerous dangers of thumb sucking outside of the issues associated with dental and oral development. It’s best to address thumb-sucking early on before it becomes a habit that is difficult to break. As a parent, you can offer positive reinforcement and praise when your child shows progress in stopping the habit. Likewise, you can use a thumb-sucking glove to deter your child from sucking on their fingers.
If your toddler is approaching childhood and you’re worried their thumb-sucking habit has caused damage, consult a pediatric dentist. They have the expertise to assess your child’s jaw and recommend any needed treatment. It’s never too late to address thumb sucking and prevent further damage to your child’s oral health.
