Pretty much every “bad” habit comes with temporary or life-long consequences. Thumb sucking is no exception to this, and while it brings children short-term relief, it can have a serious impact on their lives. The long-term effects of thumb sucking as children age range from the development of dental issues to social isolation. Thankfully, you can help reduce and even prevent adverse side effects with the right interventions and support.
Dental and Jaw Issues
The repetitive motion of thumb sucking may cause a child’s upper and lower jaws to grow unevenly, leading to long-term structural misalignment. This can potentially cause problems such as:
- Overbite: When the top teeth excessively overlap the bottom teeth
- Open bite: A noticeable gap between the top and bottom teeth when biting down
- Crossbite: When the top teeth fall inside the bottom teeth when biting down
These issues can affect the appearance of a child’s smile and make it difficult for them to properly chew food and speak. In severe cases, corrective braces or other orthodontic treatments may be necessary to fix these dental problems.
In addition, thumb sucking can cause changes in the development of the jaw and palate. Constant pressure from sucking on a thumb or finger can push the teeth out of alignment and narrow the roof of the mouth. This can result in difficulty breathing, swallowing, and even speaking as the child grows older.
Bacterial Infection
Another long-term effect of thumb sucking as children age is the risk of bacterial infection. Children explore the world with their hands and are constantly touching various surfaces to play and learn. For this reason, thumb sucking can cause children to transfer harmful bacteria to their mouths.
Prolonged thumb sucking can expose children to an increased risk of bacterial infections. The repetitive introduction of bacteria creates an environment where sickness, such as nail or oral health-related illnesses, may thrive. Additionally, consistent thumb sucking may lead to chapped or cracked skin on the thumb, further increasing susceptibility to bacterial or fungal infections.
Social Isolation
Thumb sucking often extends beyond physical effects to include emotional and psychological challenges. Since thumb sucking can impact jaw development, some children struggle with speech and may not be able to pronounce certain sounds correctly. They may feel embarrassed and not want to speak or socialize with others.
Likewise, children who continue this habit into school-age years may experience teasing or ridicule from their peers. Thumb sucking is generally considered toddler behavior, so as kids get older, the habit may become stigmatized and can set them apart from their classmates.
End the Habit
Your child may experience side effects of sucking their thumb, and breaking the habit isn’t always easy. Parenting strategies such as positive reinforcement and seeking professional support can help your child break the habit before these challenges manifest. Early intervention fosters greater confidence and emotional resilience as children grow.
