How long a child keeps sucking a thumb matters more than whether they do it at all. In babies and toddlers it is a normal way to self-soothe. When it becomes a long-term habit, it can tip the upper front teeth forward or leave a gap between the top and bottom front teeth when the mouth is closed, and Better Health notes that the earlier a child stops, the more likely the teeth and jaws are to correct themselves.
Our main article, Thumb sucking and dummies: how they affect children's teeth, explains these bite changes, the signs worth mentioning to a dentist and gentle ways to help a child stop.
A habit that continues as the adult front teeth arrive, or changes in speech such as a lisp on "s" and "z" sounds, are good reasons to have the teeth checked. You may also find our articles on dummies and pacifiers and tongue thrust and open bite in children useful.
The oral health therapists at Lumi Dental see children and families and can keep an eye on how the bite is developing. Visit our general dentist page, or see the current deals page for new patient offers.
