- Thumbsucking is a common habit in infants and toddlers. It is usually harmless and stops on its own by the age of 4 or 5. However, thumbsucking can continue into childhood or even adulthood. If it does, it can cause problems with the teeth and jaws.
- Tongue thrust is a habit of pushing the tongue against the front teeth. It can happen when a child is sucking their thumb or fingers, or when they are swallowing. Tongue thrust can also be caused by allergies, enlarged tonsils, or a narrow airway.
Both thumbsucking and tongue thrust can cause the following problems:
- Open bite: This is a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly.
- Crossbite: This is a condition where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
- Malocclusion: This is a general term for crooked or misaligned teeth.
- Speech problems: Tongue thrust can make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds, such as “s” and “z.”
If you are concerned that your child has a thumbsucking or tongue thrust habit, talk to us. We can assess the severity of the problem and recommend treatment options. Treatment may include:
- Behavior modification: This may involve rewards for not sucking the thumb or tongue, or discouraging the habit by making it physically difficult to do.
- Orthodontic treatment: This may be necessary to correct the alignment of the teeth.
With early intervention, most thumbsucking and tongue thrust habits can be corrected without causing any permanent damage to the teeth and jaws.
