Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

How Thumb Sucking Can Affect Your Child's Teeth

26 July 2016 by Charlotte Beck

Thumb sucking is a natural reaction for children. It makes babies feel secure and helps them with learning their environment. Thumb sucking is a habit that babies practiced in your womb, and it is natural for them to continue sucking their thumb through infancy. However, this habit may cause some parents to worry about their children's teeth.

Your child can safely suck his thumb until age four without damaging his teeth or jawline. It becomes a problem when your child gets his permanent teeth, which is around six or seven. Read on to find out how thumb sucking can affect your child's teeth.

Bite Problems

Bite problems can arise from sucking on your thumb. In a normal bite, your upper teeth overlaps your lower teeth. On the other hand, a child who sucks his thumb may develop an open bite. It is when an open space occurs between your lower and upper teeth. This occurs from the pressure of the thumb resting on the gums. It interferes with the growth of your jaw and natural tooth eruption.

Alignment Problems

After your child's permanent teeth come in, sucking is a problem for the alignment of his teeth. Your child's teeth may start to come in crooked. This habit also can affect the growth of your mouth. If there is not enough room in your mouth, then it can lead to overcrowding.

How Can You Fix This Problem?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects improperly positioned jaws and teeth. It is important to fix orthodontic problems early. One of the ways to correct crooked teeth is with braces.

There are three types of traditional braces, which are plastic, ceramic and brackets. Regardless of the type, it has to be bonded to your teeth. 

An alternative to traditional braces is aligners. Aligners are customized for your teeth and removable. You will not have worry about food getting trap in your mouth. Trapped food particles can lead to the buildup of plaque between your teeth.

Another advantage of aligners is that they are invisible. If you want to explore treatment options, then it is time to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. He or she can tell you the best route for fixing your child's dental problems.

Many children suck their thumb and it does not affect their teeth. Some children are aggressive and suck hard on their thumb. It is this kind of behavior that cause problems for your child's teeth.

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