Does thumb sucking really affect teeth?

Thumb sucking can cause changes in the palate (roof of the mouth) and jaw and can affect when the teeth erupt through the gums. The constant pressure can also change how the teeth line up when they finally do come through.

What do dentists do to stop thumbsucking?

The “palatal crib” appliance usually stops thumb sucking immediately. The crib will then be in place for an additional six months to confirm discontinuation of the habit. The crib is crafted and cemented behind the teeth, making it less visible.

What are the side effects of thumbsucking?

Because thumb sucking affects the development of the teeth, jaw, and palate, the habit can also change how your child eats and speaks. Thumb sucking may cause lisping and other speech impediments, including an inability to pronounce hard consonant sounds like “D” and “T.”

What is the cause of Thumbsucking in adults?

Adults may suck their thumbs as a response to stress or anxiety. Thumb sucking could also be a response to trauma. Psychological trauma is a mental and physical response to events a person finds extremely stressful.

Does thumb sucking affect teeth?

Thumb sucking is such a stereotypical habit of babies, it can feel unnatural to stop them. While thumb sucking seems adorable, can thumb sucking affect teeth? Breaking the habit of thumb sucking is important because it can cause developmental issues in the mouth. Plus, the older a child gets the more difficult breaking this habit can be.

Why is it important to break the habit of thumb sucking?

Breaking the habit of thumb sucking is important because it can cause developmental issues in the mouth. Plus, the older a child gets the more difficult breaking this habit can be. Nearly all children will have a sucking habit at some point, whether this be through thumb or finger sucking or pacifier use.

What are the benefits of thumb sucking for babies?

When your child is a newborn, it can help develop the muscles of the jaw and mouth. But the benefits of thumb sucking quickly vanish after six months of age. Another benefit of thumb sucking is that thumb suckers are less likely to have allergic hypersensitivity and can have fewer allergies.

How does sucking on a pacifier affect your teeth?

After permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same ways as sucking fingers and thumbs, but it is often an easier habit to break.