The Impact of Thumb Sucking on Children’s Teeth: What Parents Need to Know
Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for babies and toddlers. Many infants find comfort in the habit, using it to soothe themselves when they are tired, anxious, or falling asleep. In fact, some babies even start thumb sucking before birth, as it can be seen on ultrasound scans.
While thumb sucking is completely normal in early childhood, if the habit continues for too long it can affect how a child’s teeth and jaws develop. Understanding when thumb sucking becomes a problem and what can be done about it can help parents protect their child’s dental health.
At Inspired Dental Care, we often see children whose teeth or bite have been influenced by prolonged thumb sucking. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of thumb sucking, when it becomes a concern, and how we can support both parents and children in managing the habit.
Why Do Children Suck Their Thumb?
Thumb sucking is an instinctive behaviour, and for babies it provides comfort, security, and even a way to fall asleep. Most children naturally grow out of thumb sucking between the ages of 2 and 4. However, if the habit continues beyond the age of 3 – when permanent teeth begin to develop, problems can start to appear.
When Does Thumb Sucking Become a Problem?
The intensity and duration of thumb sucking matter. A child who gently rests their thumb in their mouth occasionally is less likely to experience dental issues compared to a child who laps vigorously for long periods.
By the age of 6, the front adult teeth start to erupt. If thumb sucking continues at this stage, it can alter how the teeth and jaws grow, leading to long-term problems with alignment and bite.
The Impact of Thumb Sucking on Children’s Teeth
Prolonged thumb sucking can affect the position of teeth, the shape of the jaw, and even speech development. Common issues include:
- Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed. Instead, there is a gap between them. This is one of the most common results of prolonged thumb sucking, caused by the thumb physically sitting between the teeth.
- Overbite (Protruding Front Teeth)
Thumb sucking can push the upper front teeth forwards and the lower front teeth backwards, creating an overbite. This not only affects appearance but also increases the risk of trauma to the front teeth if the child falls or has an accident.
- Crossbite
In some cases, thumb sucking can cause the upper jaw to become narrower than it should be. This may result in a crossbite, where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
- Changes in Jaw Shape
Constant sucking pressure can influence how the jaws develop, particularly the roof of the mouth (palate). This can become arched or misshapen, leading to crowding or bite issues.
- Speech Problems
Because thumb sucking changes the position of teeth and tongue, it can sometimes contribute to difficulties with speech, such as lisping or problems pronouncing certain sounds.
Psychological and Social Considerations
While the main concern is dental development, prolonged thumb sucking can also affect a child’s confidence and social interactions. Older children who still suck their thumb may feel self-conscious or face teasing from peers.
Helping children break the habit can therefore support both their dental health and their overall wellbeing.
Treatment for Dental Issues Caused by Thumb Sucking
If thumb sucking has already affected your child’s teeth, modern dentistry offers effective solutions for most cases. Depending on the age of the child and the extent of the problem, treatments might include:
- Orthodontics (braces or aligners) to correct bite issues or misalignment
- Palatal expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw
- Monitoring and growth guidance for younger children, where small changes can be corrected as the jaws grow
Often, the earlier intervention happens, the easier it is to guide teeth and jaws into a healthy position but your dentist should be able to advise you on when is the best time to intervene.
How Inspired Dental Care Can Help
At Inspired Dental Care in Exeter, we understand that every child is different, and so is every smile. We’re here to support families in managing thumb sucking and its effects.
Here’s how we can help:
- Early monitoring: We recommend regular oral health assessments for children from a young age. This allows us to spot potential issues caused by thumb sucking before they become serious;
- Friendly guidance: Our team can provide gentle, child-friendly advice and encouragement to help your child break the habit;
- Treatment planning: If thumb sucking has already influenced your child’s teeth, we’ll create a personalised plan. This may involve monitoring, orthodontic options, or simple at-home strategies;
- Support for parents: We know it can be difficult to help your child stop thumb sucking. We’ll work with you to find approaches that suit your child’s personality and needs;
Our goal is to make dental visits a positive experience, giving children the confidence to look after their smiles for life.
Early advice and reassurance
Thumb sucking is a natural and common behaviour in young children, but if it continues beyond early childhood it can affect how teeth and jaws grow. Issues such as open bite, overbite, and changes in jaw shape are all possible if the habit continues once permanent teeth start to appear.
The good news is that with gentle encouragement, most children can break the habit, and any problems caused by thumb sucking can often be corrected with modern dental care.
Book an appointment at Inspired Dental Care. We’re here to help parents every step of the way, from early advice and reassurance to treatment and orthodontic solutions if needed. Together, we can make sure your child’s smile grows up healthy, functional, and confident.
