The Facts About Thumb Sucking and Tooth Development

THE FACTS ABOUT THUMB SUCKING AND TOOTH DEVELOPMENT

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Thumb or finger sucking is a perfectly natural reflex seen in many babies and toddlers. It is a reflex that can provide comfort to babies and, as your child grows, it may help them feel more safe and secure. But when thumb sucking continues beyond the age of five, the sucking motion and pressure can lead to detrimental changes to the mouth and teeth.

Overjet Teeth that are properly aligned will overlap slightly. Ideally, when the bite is closed, the top teeth should line up with the bottom lip allowing half or two-thirds of the teeth to show.

When the upper jaw does not develop correctly as the result of prolonged thumb sucking an overjet may occur.

An overjet occurs when the top teeth are separated from the bottom teeth by a gap of two millimeters or more. It may cause the teeth to appear bucked and can cause an alteration in the appearance of the face, speech impediments, and discomfort kennedysquaredental.com

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while chewing or swallowing. An overjet generally will require orthodontic correction.

Prognathism (Underbite) An underbite occurs when the bottom teeth extend outward further than the top teeth. Genetics will often play a role in the child’s development of an underbite, but habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting can also lead to your child developing an underbite.

Underbites can result in challenges in speech development and speaking; tooth decay from excessive wear on the upper teeth, and pain in the jaw and head. Depending on the severity of the underbite surgery may be required to correct the problem, but most underbites can be corrected with orthodontia.

Open Bite An open bite occurs when the top and bottom teeth cannot meet properly. The pressure created by the thumb along with the sucking motion can cause a strain on the jaw resulting in an open bite.

An open bite can result in your child developing an interdental lisp — where the tongue slips forward between the front teeth.

An open bite may also result in difficulty chewing and swallowing. Generally, an open bite can be corrected with orthodontia though surgery may be required for more severe cases.

Fortunately, most children will stop sucking their thumb on their own. As long as your child stops sucking their thumb before their permanent teeth have come in, there is no need to worry.

However, if your child does not seem inclined to stop sucking kennedysquaredental.com

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their thumb or finger on their own, consult with your pediatrician for the best way to break the habit.

The best way to ensure a lifelong healthy smile is to make sure to schedule your child’s first dentist appointment with your Brampton dentist by their first birthday. Regular check-ups can spot potential problems, monitor tooth development, and keep your child’s teeth healthy and clean. To schedule an appointment, please contact Kennedy Square Dental at 905-7897339 today!

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kennedysquaredental.com

(905) 789-7339