Thumb-sucking is a habit that starts innocent and harmless enough but can lead to issues later in life, including breathing problems. Parents will want to know when to nip this habit in the bud. Read on to learn about the relationship between thumb-sucking and breathing issues.

Impact on Jaw Development

A child who sucks their thumb can negatively impact their jaw growth. Continuous thumb pressure alters jaw structure, resulting in several noticeable changes, including a high palate and narrow jaw. High palates often develop because of the constant pressure of the thumb on the roof of the mouth.

Moreover, the palate’s shape affects the nasal cavity, as a high palate can reduce nasal airflow due to decreased space in the nasal cavity. In turn, it may be harder for your child to breathe through their nose, making them reliant on mouth breathing.

Breathing Issues Linked to Thumb-Sucking

Thumb-sucking can cause breathing challenges. By knowing the risks, you can take steps to help your child break the habit before it causes more significant issues.

Breathing issues sometimes caused by thumb-sucking include:

Mouth Breathing

At first glance, mouth breathing doesn’t seem like a dangerous issue; after all, we’ve all had a stuffy nose at some point and had to breathe through our mouths. However, when mouth breathing becomes the norm instead of an occasional occurrence, it can dry out the mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay. Mouth breathing can also cause bad breath and make speaking difficult.

Breathing issues are just one of the many dangers of thumb-sucking. This habit is also unsanitary and can increase bacteria and viruses in the mouth.

Sleep Apnea

Most of us don’t think about children struggling with sleep apnea. However, if your child sucks their thumb and breathes through their mouth during the night (instead of their nose), they may develop this sleep disorder. When a child sleeps on their back with their mouth open, the tongue can fall backward and obstruct breathing. This potentially harmful position is made worse by enlarged adenoids or tonsils.

Addressing the Issue

Understanding the relationship between thumb-sucking and breathing issues is essential because it can affect your child’s overall health and well-being. If you notice your child engaging in this habit, work on ways to help them stop before it becomes a bigger issue.

Positive reinforcement paired with special devices like a thumb-sucking glove can help your child end this habit. By taking steps to help your child break the habit, you set them up for a healthier future.