If a child forcefully sucks his or her thumb from day one, then the habit could impact the shape of the mouth and the position of the teeth before permanent teeth even come in. This usually is seen as an endearing or precocious habit that most children have broken by the time they begin. The intensity of thumb sucking will affect the extent of the damage. To learn more about the personalized care provided by our doctors using state-of-the-art equipment and technology, please visit our medical services section. Most babies suck their thumbs or fingers. Our dental clinic can examine your child and suggest the best treatment for an “open bite” or other issues.
#SUCKING YOUR THUMB SKIN#
However, it can also be done and accomplished with the use of any piece of skin that is within one’s reach. It involves placing one’s thumb inside the mouth and performing a rhythmical sucking of the thumb for a long time. Through the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, UAMS provides a hospital-based dental clinic for children and young adolescents. Thumb sucking is a common behavior that humans, chimpanzees and other primates do. In some cases thumb sucking can even lead to an “open bite” where the front teeth do not correctly align in the middle, leaving a gap.
This may cause the upper teeth to protrude and be more prominent.
Thumb sucking after age 5 may affect the shape of the child’s mouth and palate and can change the relationship between the child’s upper and lower jaw. However, thumb sucking beyond the age of 5, when permanent teeth start to come in, can cause problems. Effects of thumb sucking on your childs teeth and mouth Parents often worry about the effects of what thumb sucking will mean for your child. Thumb sucking normally does not cause a problem for young children and most children stop on their own. Parents see their children sucking their thumb and may ask, “Will this cause problems later?” Thumb and finger sucking is a common behavior among children under 5 years of age. According to a recent report, between 75 and 95 of infants suck their thumbs, so chances are theres a thumb sucker (or a former thumb sucker) in your.