Thumb sucking is a common habit amongst young children. In fact, 50% of infants under the age of one suck their thumb or finger. Children often engage in this habit because it is comforting and calming. They suck their thumb when they are tired, scared, bored or when trying to adjust to challenges such as starting day care or preschool. They also use their thumb to help them fall asleep at night.
Whilst thumb sucking is common amongst infants, it can often have negative effects on their developing dentition, particularly if this habit continues over the age of 2-3. Studies show that malocclusion is more prevalent in children who suck their thumb for an extended period of time (more than 5 years) than those who do not engage in any non-nutritive sucking habits. Thumb sucking will caus your child’s upper front teeth to protrude, resulting in ‘buck’ teeth and an open bite (lack contact between their upper and lower teeth). They may also develop a high roof in their mouth or a lisp. Thumb sucking also has the potential to reshape their jawbone.
So you’re wondering, can you do to prevent your child from sucking their thumb? Thumb sucking is generally not a problem if the habit is discontinued before or when the upper deciduous teeth are lost and the adult teeth come through. If not, there are various behavioural interventions you can use to reverse this habit. Wrapping their thumbs in a bandaid, or rubbing substances such as garlic, or nail polish, on their fingers or thumb may reduce this habit. Try to wean them off gradually or allow thumb sucking only at certain times of the day and for specific lengths of time. The time should be reduced by 10% each day. Praise your child when they are not sucking their thumb. Offer incentives - this will increase the chances of your child practicing new behaviours. Discouragement can also occur through setting up a penalty system for thumb sucking outside of specific times and place e.g. taking one dollar from their piggy bank or cutting time away from enjoyed activities.
If the habit persists, you can consult us here at Concord Dental Practice. We will examine your child's teeth and assess the need for a crib. Cribs are custom-made, simple, yet effective devices, which are worn on the palate and upper teeth, full time. Cribs often resolve the thumbsucking problem on the first day of use, however, need to be worn over longer periods of time, to ensure that the habit is broken permanently. Please call Concord Dental Practice today to discuss these treatment options.