Thumb sucking is a common habit in babies and toddlers. It’s a natural way for children to feel comforted, especially when they are tired, scared, or trying to fall asleep. While thumb sucking may not be a cause for concern in young children, the habit can become a problem as your child grows older.

Dentists often get asked: Is thumb sucking bad for teeth? The short answer is yes, if the habit continues for too long. Thumb sucking is usually not something to worry about until a child’s permanent teeth start to come in. At this time, thumb sucking can affect how their mouth, jaw, and teeth develop. 

Effects of Thumb Sucking on Teeth

When a child keeps sucking their thumb past the toddler stage, the pressure from the thumb can change the shape of the mouth. Over time, it can cause problems like:

• Crooked teeth – The constant pressure can push teeth out of place, making them grow in at an angle. The thumb can also cause gaps to form between permanent teeth.
  
• Bite problems – Overbites, crossbites, or open bites may occur when pressure changes how teeth align when the child bites down.
  
• Jaw growth issues – The roof of the mouth can become narrow or uneven.
  
• Speech problems – Some children develop a lisp or have trouble making certain sounds.
  

The longer thumb sucking continues, the more serious these dental problems can become. While every child is different, it is best to stop the habit before it leads to permanent changes in the mouth.

Tips for Stopping Thumb Sucking

Helping your child stop thumb sucking takes time and. Here are some helpful ideas:

1. Talk about it positively
   Avoid making your child feel ashamed. Instead, explain that thumb sucking is something the big kids grow out of. Use simple words and stay upbeat.
   
2. Use praise and rewards
   Celebrate small wins! For example, praise your child when they go an hour or a full day without sucking their thumb. Consider a reward chart with stickers or small prizes to motivate them.
   
3. Create a bedtime routine
   Many children suck their thumb when they’re falling asleep. A calming routine like reading, cuddling, or listening to music can help them relax without needing their thumb.
   
4. Try a gentle reminder
   If your child sucks their thumb without thinking (such as while watching TV), a soft reminder can help. Some parents use a bandage or colorful tape around the thumb to make kids more aware of the habit.
   
5. Offer a replacement
   Sometimes a stuffed animal, soft blanket, or stress ball can give your child the same comfort they get from thumb sucking. Let them choose their own “grown-up comfort item.”
   
6. Talk to your dentist
   If your child struggles to stop, talk to their dentist. Dentists have experience with these habits and may suggest special tools or guidance based on your child’s needs. And, for some kids, hearing advice from the dentist is more effective than hearing it from a parent. 
   

With patience, praise, and gentle reminders, you can help your child move on from thumb sucking in a healthy and loving way.

What If My Child’s Teeth Are Already Affected?

Here are some common teeth straightening methods:

Palate expanders
If thumb sucking has caused a narrow upper jaw, a palate expander may be used. This device slowly widens the roof of the mouth to make space for adult teeth.

Braces
Braces are the most well-known method for straightening teeth. They use metal brackets and wires to gently move teeth into the right position over time.

Clear aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are removable plastic trays that help fix gaps or crooked teeth caused by thumbsucking. Starting treatment early, while your child is still growing, can make a big difference. Many problems caused by thumb sucking can be corrected, especially if caught early.