Many parents consider thumb sucking to be a temporary and harmless habit
Many parents consider thumb sucking to be a temporary and harmless habit. However, when this habit persists beyond the first years of life, it can have a negative impact on children's oral development.
In pediatric dentistry, this behavior is known as digital sucking habit, and requires attention if it persists after 3 or 4 years of age.
In pediatric dentistry, this behavior is known as digital sucking habit, and requires attention if it persists after 3 or 4 years of age.
Why do children suck their thumb?
This habit usually appears in early childhood as a way to calm themselves, feel safe, or fall asleep. During the first months or years, it can be considered normal.
The problem arises when sucking is prolonged over time, exerting constant pressure on developing structures, such as teeth, palate, and jaw.
The problem arises when sucking is prolonged over time, exerting constant pressure on developing structures, such as teeth, palate, and jaw.
What consequences can it have at the oral level?
If not corrected in time, the thumb sucking habit can generate alterations in the position of teeth and the shape of dental arches:
• Open bite (upper and lower teeth don't touch when closing the mouth)
• Forward projection of front teeth
• Palate deformation (narrow or deep palate)
• Alterations in speech and pronunciation
• Open bite (upper and lower teeth don't touch when closing the mouth)
• Forward projection of front teeth
• Palate deformation (narrow or deep palate)
• Alterations in speech and pronunciation
How can we help?
We detect in time habits that can interfere with their oral development and work hand in hand with parents to achieve a healthy, functional, and harmonious smile.
Schedule your appointment with our pediatric dentistry team and clear all your doubts about the thumb sucking habit.
Because timely intervention... can make a big difference in the future.
Schedule your appointment with our pediatric dentistry team and clear all your doubts about the thumb sucking habit.
Because timely intervention... can make a big difference in the future.