Without vigilant hand washing, thumb sucking may introduce dirt and bacteria into the mouth, potentially causing an infection in a tooth or in the gums. Vigorous or long-term thumb sucking can change the shape of the thumb, making it thinner or elongated. For some adults who suck their thumbs, stress reduction and alleviation of symptoms stemming from anxiety may be a significant benefit. No other benefits have been identified in either research or anecdotally.
Some adults have reported that they were able to stop sucking their thumbs by making a decision to do so and sticking to it. This may not work for everyone, especially if the behavior has become a long-term or subconscious habit. If possible, try to identify the triggers in your life that prompt you to suck your thumb. Anticipating when the behavior occurs may help you reduce it by giving you time to substitute stress-relieving techniques, such as deep breathing , meditation , and exercise.
Other things to try include popping a mint or stick of gum into your mouth when you feel the desire to suck your thumb. Seeing a mental health professional can provide you with other tools and coping mechanisms. Behavioral therapy has been well documented as discouraging negative activities. Like childhood thumb sucking, adult thumb sucking may cause or worsen problems with bite and speech.
They may have additional suggestions for helping you quit the habit. Age regression is the term for when an individual mentally and emotionally returns to a younger age.
This can be a choice to help relieve stress, a…. A person with an anterior open bite has front upper and lower teeth that slant outward so they don't touch when their mouth is closed. An open bite…. Tongue thrust appears when the tongue presses forward too far in the mouth, resulting in an abnormal orthodontic condition called an open bite.
Malocclusion of the teeth is a misalignment condition that can lead to serious oral health complications. Experts say there a number of ways to reduce children's screen time as the COVID pandemic subsides. They suggest outside activities and timers. Toxic masculinity has proven consequences. Here's one dad's take on how to raise boys to be emotionally healthy.
If home treatment doesn't work and you are concerned or feel frustrated about your child's thumb-sucking, talk with your child's doctor. There may be other treatment options, such as behavioral therapy, thumb devices, or devices for the mouth. But remember that thumb-sucking usually isn't a problem in children at preschool age or younger.
Most children will stop on their own if you give them time. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Susan C. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Thumb-Sucking. Top of the page. Topic Overview Is thumb-sucking normal? Little by little, most children stop on their own at age 3 to 6 years. Why do babies suck their thumbs? Does thumb-sucking cause any problems? When does a child need treatment for thumb-sucking?
Many experts recommend ignoring thumb-sucking in a child who is preschool age or younger. Children who suck their thumbs may need treatment when they: Continue to suck a thumb often or with great intensity around age 4 or older. A callus on the thumb is one sign of intense sucking. If the habit continues as the child ages, it can place pressure on the developing teeth and cause a range of orthodontic issues later in life. If your child has an extended thumb sucking habit or if it has already started to alter the alignment of their teeth and jaw, then early orthodontic treatment may be required.
It can also help to ensure that there is enough room in the mouth for permanent teeth to be place properly as they grow in. This can help reduce crowding and any further alignment issues from becoming uncomfortable for the child. The type of orthodontic treatment your child will require will depend on the type of issue they have developed from this habit. Some cases may require the use of a plate or spacers during the first phase of their treatment, setting up their mouth for growth in the future and ensuring no additional orthodontic issues are formed.
Their second phase of treatment as a teen may require traditional metal braces or lingual braces to correct extensive bite and jaw alignment problems, as well as straightening crooked teeth. Only an orthodontist will be able to properly assess their teeth and jaw to identify potential problems and develop a safe orthodontic treatment plan.
Prolonged thumb sucking will often lead to a distinct overbite or an overjet of the front teeth from the pressure placed on developing teeth by the thumb. Depending on the complexity of the issue and the developing malocclusion, this may be corrected by an orthodontist using Phase One treatment methods such as a plate before the child enters their teen years. However, more complex or severe cases may require a full course of traditional braces to correct the issue. Thumbsie offer a great way to help stop digit sucking with our fun and comfortable fabric thumb guards.
Lots of different fabrics to choose from and lots of success with children aged 2 - teens, some adults too. November 26,
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