Tooth Tips | Is Thumb Sucking Bad for Your Child’s Teeth?

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While thumb sucking is incredibly common for infants, the habit may impact your child’s oral development if it persists past the age of 4. Past this age, and particularly when permanent teeth start coming in, the following can occur:

Open bite issues

The upper and lower front teeth are pushed outward, leading to a misaligned bite.

Narrower dental arches

The roof of the mouth becomes narrow and sensitive.

Overbite issues

The upper teeth cover the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Deformed/ jawbone

The shape of the jaw changes, which can alter or weaken a child’s speech and eating abilities.

Speech impediments

Thumb-sucking can reduce a child’s ability to pronounce sounds correctly.

Tongue misalignment

Poor tongue placement and movement can occur.

If your child keeps sucking their thumb after age 4, it’s important to remember that positive reinforcement is key to helping them break the habit. Be supportive and encouraging. In some cases, continued thumb sucking can be related to anxiety, meaning that identifying and addressing the root cause of your child’s stress will be necessary. And if the problem persists? A visit to your family dentist can help solve the issue once and for all!