Thumb-sucking is a common habit for young children. It is estimated that nearly 90% of kids under the age of 4 suck their thumbs. While many kids move on from the habit on their own, some children continue to suck their thumbs, often out of stress or hunger. While thumb-sucking is rarely a problem for very young children, those who continue to indulge themselves in this habit can permanently damage their teeth. Some common long-term effects of thumb-sucking after the age of 5 include:
- Underbite or overbite
- Lisps and other speech impairments
- Introduction of germs (affecting the overall health of the body)
- Problems with the roof of the mouth
- A higher likelihood of a need for orthodontics
If your child is still sucking their thumb past the age of 5, here are some tips to help you encourage them to stop:
- Explain the reasons why they shouldn’t suck their thumb, and the long-term damage it can cause
- Pay attention to things that may be causing your child stress if they are sucking their thumbs out of anxiety, and try to eliminate or minimize those sources
Never nag or punish your child for sucking their thumb. This type of response can increase anxiety and make the problem worse. If you are having trouble addressing the problem, talk to your dental professional. Eliminating this issue now can save your child from serious oral health issues later in life.