Thumb sucking among young children is a common habit - infants suck their thumbs to feel secure. The habit can wane after 6 months, but for some, it can persist until the preschool years. 

Thumb sucking can be hard to get out of their system because it relaxes and sometimes even helps them get to sleep. But letting your child continue with it once their permanent teeth erupt can have long-term effects on their oral health.

How Can Thumb Sucking Impact Your Child’s Teeth?

Thumb sucking can impact your child’s tooth alignment and mouth structure. Doing it vigorously and for a long period of time puts pressure on the roof of the mouth and alters its shape. 

Here are some of the potential effects of long-term thumb sucking.

• Upper jaw may extend further, and the upper teeth may lean upward, causing an overbite
• Lower teeth may move inward
• Upper and lower teeth may no longer meet when the mouth is closed
• Irregularities in the tongue position
• Swallowing difficulties
• Speech impediments

How bad thumb sucking can affect your child’s oral health depends on the intensity and the period of time they’ve been doing it.

How Can I Help My Child Stop Thumb Sucking?

Children usually refrain from thumb sucking on their own during toddler to preschool years, or before it results in damaging effects. But if your child continues it even after their permanent teeth start to come in, it may be time to step in. 

Remember that positive reinforcements work better than punishments. Here are some tips to encourage your child to break their thumb sucking habit.

• Show and educate. Teach your child why they should stop thumb sucking. Your dentist can help you explain to your child, in an easy-to-understand manner, how not sucking their thumbs can be good for their oral health. It may help to show them the parts of the mouth, their ideal position, and how they work together to allow them to smile, chew, speak and laugh. 

• Use a reward system. Devise a reward system to give your child little tokens if they avoid thumb sucking. You may reward them with an extended time watching TV or a later bedtime. Avoid using sweets to encourage your child to get rid of their habit. 

• Don’t scold or punish. If you see your child thumb sucking, you can put an X on their reward system chart and remind them again why you’re teaching them to break the habit. Never scold or punish them if they’re having a hard time. Instead, observe their triggers and work your way around them.

• Comfort your child. You know your child best. Identify instances when they’re most likely to suck their thumbs. They may be doing it when they feel anxious, nervous, or bored. If so, consider giving them a hug, holding their hand, or offering activities or games. Keeping their hands busy can help them forget about their habit.

Seeking Professional Help from Your Dental Team in NE Calgary

Do you need professional help in training your child to quit thumb sucking? 

It can be a frustrating experience for parents, but you don’t want to be tough on your child, especially if they’re sucking their thumb or using a pacifier to calm down or feel better. 

You have a support system in your dental team. At Rundle Dental in NE Calgary, we provide children’s dentistry services and extend assistance in parents like you in looking after their child’s oral health. 
We can assess your child’s mouth for potential issues and work with you to help them stop thumb sucking and maintain healthy smiles. Contact us today to set up a dental appointment for your child.

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