Many children have a habit of sucking their thumb. Parents need to be aware of the complications of thumb sucking and when it should be addressed.
Two questions are most frequently asked regarding thumb sucking:
* Does thumb sucking interfere with dental development?
* Does my child need to stop thumb/finger sucking?
Many dentists are satisfied to wait until the child is ready to be seen by an orthodontist; they let the orthodontist "deal" with it.
Preventative dentists would like to see the thumb sucking cease early as to not interfere with the normal processes of orofacial growth and development, but usually not until permanent teeth begin to erupt. Many times as the child starts school , peer pressure can stop the habit.
Most orthodontists feel it is crucial to address the thumb/finger sucking habit by the time the adult incisors (front teeth) begin to erupt.
Dental Complications
If a thumb or finger exerts a force for hours per day against anterior (front) teeth, positional changes of the teeth can occur. The most common changes to the teeth that can occur include the development of posterior crossbites, anterior teeth that overjet, and an open bite of the anterior teeth. The direction of jaw growth may also be affected. Constant pressure of the thumb or finger against the roof of the mouth can also contribute to the development of a narrow, high arched palate.
Other Complications
Thumb sucking can also lead to :
* Abnormal tongue rest and functional patterns
* Altered respiration
* Open rest posture of the lips
* Skin, cuticle infections or calluses
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree and believe that until the age of 6, thumb sucking usually does little or no damage to the teeth or the orofacial structure. After age 6, however, chronic thumb sucking may begin to do damage and should be addressed.
The above information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Consult a qualified dentist or physician to determine an individualized treatment plan.
Two questions are most frequently asked regarding thumb sucking:
* Does thumb sucking interfere with dental development?
* Does my child need to stop thumb/finger sucking?
Many dentists are satisfied to wait until the child is ready to be seen by an orthodontist; they let the orthodontist "deal" with it.
Preventative dentists would like to see the thumb sucking cease early as to not interfere with the normal processes of orofacial growth and development, but usually not until permanent teeth begin to erupt. Many times as the child starts school , peer pressure can stop the habit.
Most orthodontists feel it is crucial to address the thumb/finger sucking habit by the time the adult incisors (front teeth) begin to erupt.
Dental Complications
If a thumb or finger exerts a force for hours per day against anterior (front) teeth, positional changes of the teeth can occur. The most common changes to the teeth that can occur include the development of posterior crossbites, anterior teeth that overjet, and an open bite of the anterior teeth. The direction of jaw growth may also be affected. Constant pressure of the thumb or finger against the roof of the mouth can also contribute to the development of a narrow, high arched palate.
Other Complications
Thumb sucking can also lead to :
* Abnormal tongue rest and functional patterns
* Altered respiration
* Open rest posture of the lips
* Skin, cuticle infections or calluses
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree and believe that until the age of 6, thumb sucking usually does little or no damage to the teeth or the orofacial structure. After age 6, however, chronic thumb sucking may begin to do damage and should be addressed.
The above information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Consult a qualified dentist or physician to determine an individualized treatment plan.
