Do you have a toddler at home who frequently sucks their thumb or pacifier? Although this is a simple and effective way to help them self-soothe when they’re babies, many experts suggest weaning them away from this habit by the time they turn 4 years old. Otherwise, they might develop oral issues that can impact how their mouths develop.
Continue reading to learn about 3 potential consequences that can occur from overly frequent or prolonged thumb-sucking to protect your child’s still-developing smile!
Concern #1: Developing a Malocclusion
When your child slurps on their thumb or pacifier, they create a firm suction that can impact how their enamel and jaw develop. For example, they are likelier to have wider spaces between their teeth. They might also have pearly whites that have grown at odd angles thanks to the repeated pressure caused by the frequent sucking motion.
Unfortunately, this can cause a malocclusion, such as an overbite, in which their upper teeth jut too far past their lower ones, or an open bite, in which their they don’t come together properly when they bite down. Such misalignments can wear down their enamel unevenly or prematurely, increasing their vulnerability to cavities and injuries.
Concern #2: Difficulties Eating
Not only can your child’s constant pulling motion impact the positions of their teeth, but it can also affect how the muscles of their mouth and face develop. For instance, they are prone to developing a tongue thrust pattern in which they push the muscle forward against or between their teeth when swallowing, which can impede proper digestion. Over time, they could even develop associated gastrointestinal concerns from inefficient chewing.
Not only that, but they might also struggle to successfully bite food off of a utensil or manipulate it in their mouths, which can make mealtime frustrating for everyone involved.
Concern #3: Impaired Speech Patterns
Many kids who have sucked their thumb or pacifier long term also experience altered speech patterns compared to children who quit this habit as toddlers. For example, they might struggle to clearly enunciate certain sounds, such as “s”, “z”, “l”, or “r”, because of their tongue thrust.
Also, because their facial muscles might have developed differently, they might have a harder time forming the right shapes with their mouths to communicate clearly with others.
If you are struggling to wean your child from their self-soothing habit, you can contact their dentist for ideas. Their provider is experienced with addressing various concerns that can impact their dental condition, including sucking their thumb!
About the Practice
Patients at Cove Choice Dental benefit from a team of dentists eager to help families in Copperas Cove build their happiest, healthiest smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages to meet their unique needs under one roof, including pediatric preventive care. Their compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate treatment results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (254) 987-6777.