Dental Concerns Associated With Thumb Sucking
If you have a small toddler, you may be concerned about his or her thumb-sucking habit. Thumb sucking can be overcome. In fact, many children simply grow out of the practice. However, thumb sucking that does not appear to be diminishing can be problematic. Here are a few concerns that are associated with sucking the thumb:
Dental Misalignment
Thumb sucking can cause the teeth to grow out of the proper position. As a child sucks his or her thumb, the thumb is pressed against the roof of the mouth as well as against the bottom of the front teeth. The top of the bottom teeth may also receive a certain amount of pressure. This force can cause the teeth to protrude outward.
This protrusion can cause inter-dental gaps that would otherwise not be present. It can also incite other teeth to position incorrectly.
The positioning of the teeth generally follows the formation of the palate. If the palate is distorted by the thumb sucking, the positioning of the teeth will also be distorted.
The dental misalignment may be corrected once the child is older by using an orthodontic appliance, such as braces. However, if thumb sucking is stopped early enough, the need for braces may be avoided.
Oral Infections
The spread of decay-causing bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, can occur through thumb sucking. This is especially the case for children who lovingly interact with a parent or another person by feeding the other individual.
The thumb that is used to pick up a bite-sized piece of food to place into another person's mouth may also pick up a small deposit of saliva from the individual. When the child sucks his or her thumb, any bacteria present in the saliva on the thumb may be ingested. Likewise, germs on objects that are touched by the child may be introduced into the child's mouth inadvertently when the child sucks his or her thumb.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion, or the bite of the child, is related to the alignment of the teeth. However, the bite refers to the way that the teeth of the top and bottom palate meet. Thumb sucking can cause the bite to be incorrect. When a child closes his or her mouth, there may be a gap where the front teeth of the top and lower palate should meet, even if the side teeth still meet correctly.
To learn ways to discourage your child from sucking his or her thumb, schedule an appointment with a dentist like McMillin Jeff DDS.
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