Thumb sucking is a normal part of development in infants. The behaviour usually starts in the womb before birth and can be a relaxing and comforting action. However, the Canadian Dental Association states that children should grow out of their thumb sucking habits by age 3. If your child continues sucking his/her thumb after this age, it could affect how his/her mouth and jaw develop. Here are three consequences of thumb sucking:

??Overbite or Overjet??
An overbite is one of the most common consequences of thumb sucking. Normally, the upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower ones, typically by a few millimetres. An overbite is usually defined as an overlap greater than 4 millimetres. 

??A similar problem is an overjet, which occurs when the front teeth sit in front of the lower ones. This can prevent you from completely closing your lips, and it can make you more vulnerable to tooth damage.??

Occasional thumb sucking might not cause problems, but constant thumb sucking can pull a tooth forward as it grows in, leading to bite and alignment issues. Overbite, overjet, and other tooth alignment problems will require braces or orthodontic treatment.

??Open Bite??The pressure of the thumb on the jaw can affect tooth eruption. If the teeth don't grow in fully or properly, they may not overlap or meet at all. Instead, they may leave an open space, which is known as an open bite. ??

Open bites sometimes correct themselves when the child stops sucking his/her thumb. However, some people will need braces to correct the issue. Severe cases may require jaw surgery to correct the alignment, but braces or orthodontic work almost always fixes open bites caused by thumb sucking.??

Malformed Roof of Mouth
??During childhood, the roof of the mouth is very pliable. Thumb sucking causes the roof of the mouth to narrow as it molds around the thumb. If your child sucks his thumb frequently, the roof of the mouth may permanently stay in that narrowed position. This can affect tooth development and can lead to dental and speech issues later in life.??

It's best to stop your child's thumb sucking habit before it starts to affect tooth and jaw development. If the effects are already noticeable, visit Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre to learn about the treatment options. Our dentists can make recommendations for you to help your child break the habit, and they can provide treatments to fix any existing tooth or jaw problems. We are happy to help you get rid of thumb sucking and accommodate all other dental needs that you may have.  Call us or submit your appointment request today.