Thumbs Down For Thumb Sucking: The Negative Impact Thumb Sucking Has On Children's Oral Health

How thumb-sucking can negatively affect children’s oral health 

The act of thumb sucking is a natural reflex for a child and many children start when they are in the womb. Problems only typically arise when thumb sucking becomes prolonged and lasts well beyond infancy. It is then that oral health issues start to become apparent.  

It’s widely regarded in the dental community, that if the thumb sucking habit stops by the age of seven then teeth can often correct themselves with normal growth. However, evidence suggests that one in every eight children between the ages of seven and eleven have a prolonged digit sucking habit. If the habit continues beyond the age of seven, then the position of the adult teeth can be permanently affected, and self-correction is less likely to occur. This makes it all the more important that thumb sucking is stopped in its tracks at an early age. 

Vigorous thumb sucking that persists after the permanent teeth have started to erupt can cause the following dental issues: 

• Open bite (top and bottom teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed) 

• Overbite (front teeth protrude from the jaw and mouth) 

• Bottom teeth that tip toward the back of the mouth 

• Changes to the jaw shape, affecting the alignment of the teeth 

• Lisp 

• Changes to the shape of the roof of the mouth 

Prolonged thumb sucking can have severe and long-term impacts on a child’s oral health with their bite, problems chewing, speech and palette. 

Why good oral health is so important for young children 

By instilling good oral health habits in children from a young age you can set them up with a healthy smile for life. A healthy smile is one of the best gifts an adult can give their child which not will not only save them from painful treatments down the line but could also boost their confidence and self-esteem.