Thumb Sucking Explained: Effects, Risks, and Solutions for Parents

You might have noticed your child sucking their thumb, especially during naptime or moments of anxiety. Many children find comfort in this habit—it’s a natural reflex that can start even before birth and often helps them feel calm or sleepy. Whether it happens during naptime, when feeling anxious, or simply out of habit, thumb sucking is common in young children. However, as they grow, this habit can affect their teeth and mouth in ways that might not be immediately apparent.

How Does Thumb Sucking Harm?

Oral Problems

Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to significant dental issues in children. The habit places constant pressure on the teeth, potentially causing misalignment, resulting in crooked or crowded teeth. It may also lead to bite problems, such as overbites or open bites, where the upper and lower teeth fail to align properly.

Thumb sucking can also affect the jaw and palate, altering their shape and potentially leading to permanent changes in facial structure. These effects become more pronounced if the habit continues as permanent teeth begin to emerge. ⁽¹⁾

Speech Problems

Prolonged thumb sucking can impact a child's speech and language development. The habit often alters the position of the tongue and teeth, making it difficult for children to produce certain sounds correctly.

For example, sounds like /s/, /z/, /t/, /d/, and /l/ may be distorted due to improper tongue placement caused by changes in the shape of the palate or misaligned teeth. This can result in speech issues such as interdental lisps, where the tongue pushes between the teeth when speaking. ⁽²⁾

Medbound Times reached out to Dr. Aliya Ershad, a pediatric dentist, for her insights on thumb sucking. Here’s what she had to say:

Physical Changes to the Thumb

Prolonged thumb sucking can cause noticeable changes to the thumb itself. It may become thinner or elongated due to constant pressure. The skin can become dry, cracked, or even develop calluses. Additionally, nail problems and blister formation may occur. These physical changes can be uncomfortable and may require attention if they persist or worsen over time. ⁽³⁾

Infections

Thumb sucking can expose children to harmful germs and bacteria, especially if their hands are not clean. When a child puts a dirty thumb in their mouth, they introduce microorganisms that may lead to infections. For example, oral infections like thrush, caused by the fungus Candida albicans, can develop in the moist environment of the mouth.

Additionally, bacteria picked up from surfaces or objects can increase the risk of gum infections or other illnesses, particularly in environments like schools or daycare where germs spread easily. ⁽⁴⁾

How to Stop Your Child from Thumb Sucking

✅ Praise and reward your child when they avoid thumb sucking, rather than scolding them when they do.
✅ Keep their hands busy with activities like arts and crafts, sports, or baking to distract them from the habit.
✅ Use special devices like thumb guards that prevent thumb sucking while allowing other hand activities. Mittens or socks can also be used for younger children.
✅ Use visual reminders such as tying a bow around their thumb or applying a temporary tattoo on their hand as a gentle prompt.
✅ Educate them—talk to your child about why it’s important to stop the habit and involve them in the process.
✅ Seek professional help—if the habit persists, consult a dentist or pediatrician for additional guidance and support.

By taking proactive steps, you can help your child break the habit and ensure healthier dental and speech development in the long run.

References

1. SCIRP. 2025. "Prevalence of Thumb Sucking Habits amongst Children at the Knust Basic School" Scientific Research Publishing. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=127360.

2. SpeechPathology.com. 2025. "Correlation Between Family Size and Speech Development." SpeechPathology.com. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.speechpathology.com/ask-the-experts/correlation-between-family-size-and-888.

3. Healthline. 2025. "Adult Thumb Sucking: Causes, Effects, and Treatment." Healthline. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health/adult-thumb-sucking.

4. TGuard. 2025. "The Relationship Between Thumb Sucking and Oral Thrush." TGuard.com. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://tguard.com/the-relationship-between-thumb-sucking-and-oral-thrush/.
   

By Dr. Iqra Momin

_MSM