To most parents, thumb or finger-sucking seems like a harmless habit that children will eventually outgrow. The problem is that thumb-sucking can quickly become addictive for children and can cause long-term damage to their teeth and jaw development. Find out how thumb-sucking can affect your child’s jaw structure and how to prevent it.

Why Does Thumb Sucking Impact Jaw Structure

The repetitive motion of thumb-sucking can create pressure on a child’s developing jaw which can alter the natural growth and alignment of the jaw and teeth. The force exerted by the thumb can lead to misalignment, affecting the dental arches and oral cavity’s shape. Over time, this can result in noticeable changes to the jaw’s structure.

When the thumb rests against the roof of the mouth, it can cause the upper jaw to narrow. This narrowing can contribute to a lack of space for adult teeth, leading to overcrowding. Furthermore, the repetitive act of sucking can cause the tongue to be displaced, which also affects how the teeth and jaw develop.

The frequency and duration of thumb or finger sucking can directly impact how it affects the jaw structure. Children who make this a habit for extended periods or with increased frequency are more likely to experience changes in their jaw structure than those who suck their thumb occasionally.

Jaw Structure Problems Caused By Thumb Sucking

Thumb-sucking can lead to several dental issues, each with its unique impact on the jaw and bite; these can leave long-term effects on a child’s physical and social development. The common jaw problems include:

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower jaw projects ahead of the upper jaw. This condition can develop due to thumb-sucking, as the pressure from the thumb can push the lower jaw forward. An underbite can cause difficulty in chewing and speaking.

Early diagnosis of an underbite is crucial to prevent complications. If left uncorrected, an underbite may lead to jaw pain and uneven tooth wear. Treatments often involve orthodontic interventions, such as braces, to realign the jaw.

As your child grows, be vigilant for signs of the lower jaw protruding. Consult with a pediatric dentist if you notice changes or have concerns about their jaw development.

Treating Underbites

The treatment for an underbite often depends on its severity but can include braces, Invisalign, or, in extreme cases, surgery.

Overbite

When an individual has an overbite, the upper teeth extend significantly over the lower teeth. Prolonged thumb-sucking can cause the upper jaw to tilt outward, leading to an overbite.

This type of jaw misalignment can affect a child’s facial appearance and oral function. Additionally, an overbite may cause issues such as speech difficulties and an increased risk of tooth decay.

Treating Overbites

Early intervention is key to minimizing the impact of an overbite. Regular dental check-ups allow for early detection and management, preventing more severe complications later. Orthodontic devices, like braces or retainers, often help correct an overbite.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. Thumb or finger sucking can cause this by creating a gap between the upper and lower teeth, resulting in an open bite. This condition can affect speech and eating. Sometimes, an open bite can also cause breathing problems, and it may be harder for a child to breathe with their mouth which can result in other health concerns, such as sleep apnea.

Children with open bites might struggle with pronouncing specific sounds, impacting speech development. It can also lead to difficulty biting into food properly in severe cases.

Treating Open Bites

Often, experts use orthodontic appliances, such as braces or retainers, to help close an open bite and improve tooth alignment.

Crossbite

A crossbite is the upper and lower teeth do not align. In a posterior crossbite, the lower jaw juts out in front of the upper jaw; in an anterior crossbite, the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth. Thumb-sucking can cause a crossbite by pushing the lower jaw forward or misaligning the upper and lower jaws.

This jaw misalignment can lead to uneven wear of teeth, difficulty in chewing, and speech impediments. Crossbites can also affect face symmetry. If not addressed early, they may lead to jaw strain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Treating Crossbites

Similar to open bites, orthodontic appliances can correct a crossbite by expanding the upper jaw.

High Palate

Thumb-sucking can also cause a high palate, where the roof of the mouth is narrower and higher than normal. This condition results from continuous pressure on the upper jaw and palate from thumb-sucking. A high palate can cause dental, speech, and breathing problems.

Treating High Palates

A high palate may require orthodontic intervention to widen the upper jaw and allow for proper growth. Palate extenders can help widen the mouth, but extreme cases may require surgery to correct.

Ways To Stop Thumb Sucking

No parent wants to think about their child having long-term dental or jaw problems. This can make it harder for them to eat and speak and impact their appearance. As a result, a child may struggle to fit in with their peers.

By growing your understanding of how thumb-sucking can affect jaw structure, you can take steps to prevent potential dental issues. You can also consult a pediatric dentist for further guidance on how to help your child break the habit and promote healthy jaw development.

Here are a few tips to help stop thumb-sucking:

Be Proactive

Although thumb sucking is normal for infants, it should decrease as they grow older. Discourage these behaviors by toddlerhood, as thumb-sucking can impact the adult teeth that develop during early childhood.

Identify Triggers

Often, children suck their thumbs in response to stress or boredom. For example, if child sucks their thumb anytime you get ready to leave the home without them, they may struggle with separation anxiety.

Identifying triggers can help parents address the root cause of thumb-sucking. Finding healthy coping mechanisms, such as a favorite toy or activity, can help redirect the child’s urge to suck their thumb.

Don’t Punish the Behavior

Thumb-sucking is an instinct for children, providing comfort and security. Punishing the behavior may lead to feelings of shame or anxiety, which can worsen the habit. Instead, use positive reinforcements to discourage thumb-sucking. Praise your child when they go through periods without sucking their thumb and offer small rewards for progress.

Use a Thumb-Sucking Glove

Sometimes, determining how to stop finger sucking requires physical intervention. A thumb or finger sucking glove slides over your child’s hand without restricting movement. The glove has holes on the side of it, so if your child tries sucking their fingers or thumb, the air will flow in, preventing that pleasurable suction. The feeling of suction is what children enjoy most, so by removing it, your child may be more likely to stop the habit.

Parents have a responsibility to their our children develop healthy habits, including proper oral hygiene and preventing thumb-sucking. Work with your child to find the best solution for them.