At Kids Dental Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, our respected pediatric dentist, Dr. Bosede Adeniji, specializes exclusively in the dental needs of children and special needs patients. This means our team has special insight into all aspects of pediatric dentistry — including the period before kids have any teeth at all.
One of the most common questions parents bring to us during children’s checkups is, “When should I worry about thumb sucking?” Today’s blog focuses on the thumb sucking info you need before scheduling your child’s next visit.
Most children stop sucking their thumbs on their own, with around 75% discontinuing the habit before age 2. The remaining 25% of children may continue sucking their thumbs until age 3, 4, or later.
But, when should parents draw the line on thumb sucking? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends speaking to your child’s pediatric dentist if your child still sucks their thumb after age 3. That’s where we can help you plan a successful transition away from your child’s thumb sucking habit.
Thumb sucking that continues beyond age 3 can begin to affect the way the jaw and palate develop. If the habit persists into the preschool years and becomes frequent or forceful, it may cause changes in tooth alignment and bite over time.
One of the most common issues is an anterior open bite, where the front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. It can also lead to a posterior crossbite, where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside.
In some cases, the upper front teeth may push forward, creating increased overjet, aka “buck teeth.” Ongoing thumb sucking could also lead to problems such as teeth grinding and speech challenges like lisping.
Dr. Adeniji and our kid-friendly team at Kids Dental Center are here to support you and your child through this transition. In many cases, a few simple approaches can help your child stop sucking their thumb without major tears, battles, or big reactions. Some examples include:
Simple rewards like stickers for each milestone of not sucking their thumb can really motivate many kids.
Predicting the times your child might be most likely to suck their thumb can help you head off problems. When you know they’re likely to be bored, stressed, or tired, have alternatives for self-soothing, like a favorite toy or blanket on hand.
Work with your child to help set goals for leaving thumb sucking behind. This keeps goals manageable, helps your child feel like they’re in control, and helps them feel accomplished when they reach the goals.
Still struggling to help your child quit? Dr. Adeniji can help with other options, like oral appliances that can help your child stop the habit before it starts affecting their teeth or jaw.
Our goal is always to support healthy development while keeping your child comfortable and confident.
If your thumb sucker is reluctant to give up the habit, we can help. Call Kids Dental Center at 301-345-2881 to book an appointment with Dr. Adeniji today.
