Many babies and young kids naturally and comfortingly sucking their thumbs. They do this to calm down and learn more about the world around them. 

While thumb sucking is usually safe for babies and young children, doing it for long periods of time can hurt their oral growth in big ways. If you are worried about your child sucking their thumb, you can talk to a family dentist in Southfield, MI, for help and advice. 

The impact of thumb sucking on dental health. 

A child’s developing teeth and the roof of their mouth are pressed on when they suck their thumb. This steady pressure can cause a number of tooth problems, such as:

• Misaligned bite: Most of the time, this leads to a misaligned bite, which means that the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly. This might make it hard to speak, chew, or breathe. An underbite, for instance, happens when the lower jaw sticks out farther than the upper jaw, which makes it hard to speak and chew.
• Open bite: When the mouth is closed, the front teeth do not touch in an open bite. This can happen when the thumb pushes the front upper teeth forward. This can make it hard for kids to properly bite into food and may also make it hard for them to speak.
• Crossbite: The upper teeth bite into the lower teeth, making a crossbite. This can change how the jaw grows and make the teeth wear down differently. 
• Overbite: For people with an overbite, also called an overjet, the upper front teeth stick out much further than the lower front teeth. This can make it hard for kids to bite and chew properly, and it can also change how they look.
• Speech problems: If your teeth are not straight, it can be hard to move your lips and tongue properly. This can cause speech problems like a lisp or trouble saying some sounds. 

When should you be concerned? 

By the time they are two or three, most kids no longer need to suck their thumbs. But if your child keeps sucking their thumb after age four, you should see a dentist or orthodontist right away. Getting help early can help keep tooth problems to a minimum. 

Why does it matter? 

Aside from the immediate problems with your teeth, sucking your thumb for a long time can have long-term effects. Some of these are:

• Effects on social and emotional life: Kids who have obvious teeth problems may have low self-esteem and social nervousness.
• Problems eating: If your teeth are not lined up right, it can be hard to eat some foods, which could leave you lacking in nutrients.
• Ongoing orthodontic treatment: If you have serious teeth problems because you suck your thumb, you may need a lot of orthodontic treatment, like braces or surgery, which can take a long time and cost a lot of money.

How to help your child break the habit. 

Here are some things you can try if you are worried about your child sucking their thumb:

• Positive reinforcement: When your child stops sucking their thumb, praise and reward them.
• Techniques for distraction: Give them fun things to do and toys to keep their mind off of sucking their thumb.
• Open communication: Tell your child what might happen if they keep sucking their thumb and why it is important for them to stop.
• Talk to a professional: A dentist or orthodontist can help you decide what steps to take, such as using habit-breaking tools (like thumb guards) or getting orthodontic treatment.

Keep in mind that every child is different, and thumb-sucking can have different effects on each one. If you are worried about your child’s oral health, you should make an appointment to see a skilled dentist. Getting help early can help your child have a healthy, beautiful smile.