How to stop a thumb sucking habit
A thumb sucking habit can also be called a digit sucking habit, or referred to as non-nutritive sucking. This is very common in babies and very young children as a means of self soothing and is considered to fulfil important emotional needs, and is normal in this age group.
However, if the habit continues into childhood and past the age of six, problems can arise with dental development and growth of the bones in the mouth.
The combination of the presence of the thumb in the mouth and the sucking action create zones of pressure in the mouth that can impede normal dental and oral development in varying degrees. It is theorised that sucking for more than the threshold of six hours per day can increase the severity of the signs of thumb sucking.
The malocclusion (appearance of the teeth) of a thumb sucker is easy to spot, with some or all of the following traits being evident upon examination:
Upper front teeth tipped forward and flared with spacing
The downward eruption of the upper front teeth and vertical development of the bone is impeded
Lower front teeth are tipped back
On smiling the upper front teeth curve like the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge rather than like a shallow ‘U’ shape that follows the curvature of the lower lip
The upper front teeth do not overlap the lower front teeth – this is called an anterior open bite
The lower lip becomes trapped behind the upper front teeth
Posterior crossbites on one or both sides of the mouth
A narrow palate with a high palatal vault
Sores on the fingers or thumb
The good news is, that these traits can be corrected, and from an orthodontic point of view the earlier this is done, the more effective it is.
The easiest way to normalise the dental development in younger children is to stop the habit. This can be achieved in the following ways:
Changing behaviour. This may be incentivised by using a rewards system, such as reward charts or reminders. This is most effective in children who are keen to cease the habit.
Deterrents. The second least invasive option are deterrents such has bad tasting nail polish, band aids or bandages wrapped around the thumb. The effectiveness of these is variable.
Thumb sucking device. If none of the above options are successful and there are adequate reasons for the habit to stop, a thumb sucking device is the treatment of choice. This is a device that fits on the upper molars and crosses the palate with a little cage behind the upper front teeth to impede the comfortable placement of the digit or thumb. This serves as a reminder for the child to remove the thumb from their mouth. It also impedes the seal required to achieve a satisfying sucking action. Both serve to cease the habit. Thumb sucking devices work best in children who want to stop sucking their thumb. Persistent thumb suckers can override this appliance, deeming it unsuccessful.
In whichever way the habit stops, the mouth will find a new equilibrium of pressures from the lips and tongue, and the teeth and bones will respond favourably. The upper teeth and the bone in which they sit will start to settle back and grow more vertically. This will also see an overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth, closing of spaces and a more consonant smile line. The bones of the palate will grow freely, usually flattening and broadening out. The tongue will also be the dominant force on the lower incisors causing them to upright.
In older children who are ready for braces but who still suck their thumb can have the thumb sucking device, used in conjunction with braces.
It is harder to correct a malocclusion caused by thumb sucking in an adult. In very severe cases, surgical correction may be the only solution.
At Olivia Rogers Orthodontics, we are happy to help out if a thumb sucking habit is a concern for you. As this habit can be quite complex, involving patients of different ages and emotional maturity, there is no one solution to this problem. Olivia will be able to evaluate each case and determine the best pathway to reach a solution. She will also discuss the pros and cons and shortcomings of the treatments available so that you can decide the best approach for you.
