Thumb sucking teeth is a condition caused in children who suck their thumbs. It often leads to misaligned teeth, skew jaw growth, an overbite, speech issues, and a change in the shape of the palate. Thumb sucking teeth can be prevented by parents through various methods like seeing a dentist, covering the thumb, or using bitter fingernail solutions.
At Brisbane Paediatric Dentist we see a lot of concerned parents with kids who suck their thumbs, fingers, or even a dummy. If this goes on unchecked, a range of dental issues can arise. Let’s look at the problem of prolonged thumb sucking, how it affects the teeth and jaw, and what you as a parent can do to prevent it.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn what causes kids to habitually suck their thumbs
- Find out what long term effects thumb sucking has on the teeth and jaw
- Get solutions you can start trying right now to prevent thumb sucking
- Gain some insight into how you can spot problematic thumb sucking in older kids
What Causes Thumb Sucking Teeth?
Thumb sucking teeth in children is caused by prolonged thumb sucking from toddler age, and can continue well into early childhood. Because the child’s jaw and teeth are still developing, prolonged thumb sucking can cause misalignment of the teeth, an overbite, or changes in the roof of the mouth.
Approximately 30% of preschool children continue to suck their thumbs, and for some of them, this habit continues into early childhood. The pressure from the thumb against the roof of the mouth and the teeth forces mouth, jaw, and teeth growth problems. Because this happens at a crucial developmental stage of the child’s life, it can (and usually does) have a permanent effect on the jaw and teeth.
Why Do Children Continue to Suck Their Thumbs Post Infancy?
Children continue to suck their thumbs after infancy because of:
- Habits formed from sucking dummies
- Comfort seeking from boredom or stress (self-soothing)
- Sleep inducing benefits
- An imitation of other young children
- Delayed oral development or sensory needs
- The connection between hunger and having something in the mouth (oral fixation)
The most common reason is comfort and self soothing. In the child’s brain, they associate having something in the mouth with being fed or comforted by their mother. Many children have their dummies taken away at an early age, and the thumb acts as an easy alternative.
What are the Long Term Effects of Thumb Sucking in Children?
The long term effects of thumb sucking in children include:
- Changes in the shape of the palate
- Development of an overbite or open bite
- Skew teeth
- Lisps and other speech defects or delays
- Eventual jaw misalignment
- Bite defects
- Social issues
- The need for braces later in life
| Age Group | Developmental Effects | Visible Signs & Impact |
| Infancy (0-1 year) | Natural reflex for self-soothing and feeding. | No harmful effects. This is normal infant behavior. |
| Toddlerhood (1-3 years) | Habit strengthens as a comfort mechanism; jaw and teeth begin forming. | Occasional thumb sucking is harmless, but frequent sucking may start to affect the palate shape. |
| Preschool (3-5 years) | Jaw growth accelerates; primary teeth alignment develops. | Prolonged sucking can cause an overbite, open bite, or slight speech delays. |
| Early Childhood (5-7 years) | Permanent teeth begin emerging, and palate shape solidifies. | Misaligned front teeth (overbite or open bite) become noticeable. Speech difficulties can develop (lisping, improper tongue placement). |
| Mid-Childhood (7-10 years) | Permanent teeth take full form; facial bone structure develops. | Pronounced dental misalignment, potential narrowing of the upper jaw, and possible need for orthodontic intervention. |
| Pre-Adolescence (10+ years) | Jaw and teeth structure continue to mature; social impact increases. | Severe malocclusion (bite problems), speech challenges, and social concerns (teasing, lower self-esteem). Braces or other corrective treatments may be required. |
How Can Thumb Sucking in Kids Be Prevented?
Thumb sucking in children can be prevented through methods like covering the thumb, adding a bitter solution to the nails, and attending to social concerns. Thumb sucking can also be stopped at an early age through positive reinforcement, noticing triggers, and hand stimulation.
Brisbane Paediatric Dentist has seven prevention techniques you can use at home. If these don’t seem to be working, you should schedule an appointment with your kids’ dentist for further assistance.
Positive Reinforcement
The first prevention technique you should try as a parent is to praise your child when they don’t suck their thumb. This is easier with older kids, but can also be done over time with toddlers.
Identifying Triggers
Thumb sucking tends to be a self soothing practice for young children. Identifying what triggers your child to become uncomfortable, bored, or anxious can be a great way to counter thumb sucking before it starts. Look out for these triggers and nip them in the bud.
Awareness and Verbal Reminders
Working at getting your child to stop sucking their thumb takes work and awareness. Noticing when they default to thumb sucking is half the battle won. The other half is reminding them to stop doing it.
Denatonium Benzoate for Fingernails
Denatonium Benzoate is one of the most bitter substances that is safe for children. It can also be found in some nail polish brands. Denatonium Benzoate is highly unpleasant to the taste and will quickly discourage your child from sucking their thumb.
Thumb Guards
If you find that your child is sucking their thumb mostly at night, a thumb guard is a great prevention method. Thumb guards can be fitted over both thumbs, and act as a gentle reminder to your child to stop thumbsucking.
Hand Stimulation
During the day, boredom can quickly set in. Your child may default to thumbsucking during these times if there’s nothing more to do with their hands. Keeping them busy with hand activities like Lego, hand gesture games, or drawing, is a good method for distracting them and breaking the habit over time.
Introducing Healthy Sleeping Habits
Children who follow a healthy sleep routine are generally less anxious and more confident during the day. This means a less of a need for self-soothing. Make sure your young child gets at least 10 to 12 hours of sleep every 24 hours, and goes to bed at the same time every night.
When is Thumb Sucking a Serious Problem?
Thumb sucking is a serious problem when it continues past a certain age. It’s a habit that is completely instinctive in young children, but should start decreasing as they get older. Persistent thumb sucking beyond the age of 4 to 5 will lead to dental and speech issues.
Older children who suck their thumbs at ages of 6 to 10, will eventually develop an over-bite, an open-bite, and jaw & palate development issues. Thumb sucking that doesn’t seem to be disappearing from 4 years and upward, should be addressed urgently.
What is Thumb Sucking and How Can You Prevent it FAQs
How can I fix an overbite from thumb sucking?
An overbite from thumb sucking can only be fixed by a dentist or orthodontist. Braces, invisalign clear aligners, or surgery are the only effective remedies for fixing an overbite in children and adults. Dentists can also help with misaligned teeth caused by thumb sucking, whether it affected teeth recently or long ago.
What is worse for teeth: pacifier or thumb?
Both pacifier and thumb sucking past the age of 4 years old are bad for teeth. The pressure caused to the roof of the mouth and the jaw during developmental stages of growth can cause misaligned teeth, an over-bite, or jaw problems.
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