Thumb sucking – How it can affect your children

Thumb sucking is a common habit of preschool children, if continued from an early age it can have long last effects on kids’ teeth. Thumb sucking is normal for young kids, but should decrease by ages 3 – 4, and eventually stop by age 5. Unfortunately, many youngsters can’t break the habit by the age of 5.

• Thumb sucking is a very normal response to anxiety and stress.
• It doesn’t point to insecurity or emotional problems in a child.
• Most children give up thumb sucking by age 4, when some children continue to suck their thumbs as a means of exerting independence.
• Aside from some minor problems with thumb and fingernail infections, the most damage from thumb sucking occurs to the teeth and jaw.

A well-known pediatrician recently stated on TV that continued sucking of thumbs or fingers does not cause serious dental problems in children and is not cause for parental alarm. This is wrong, in fact prolonged thumb activity produces significant problems with chewing, speech, and facial appearance.

The pleasure in the habit is derived from the contact of the skin of the thumb with the oral mucous membrane. Thumb sucking also creates intense negative pressure in the oral cavity/mouth which has detrimental effects on the overall development of the facial area and the narrowing of dental arches. These effects can last lifelong because the cheek muscles become hyperactive due to overaction. But there is no cause for worry, if the child stops the habit between the ages of 4 – 5.