Does Thumb Sucking Cause Buck Teeth?

Our Dakota Dental dentists are back with the answer to another one of our Tooth Truths or Mouth Myths. Today, we’re answering a question we get asked a lot, especially from new parents:

Can My Child Develop Buck Teeth From Thumb Sucking?

Despite its reputation as an old wives’ tale, this is actually a Tooth Truth, IF thumb sucking continues past a certain age.

Now, thumb sucking is a perfectly natural reflex and is even frequently seen in prenatal ultrasounds. In fact, about80% of infants and children suck their thumbs. Sucking thumbs, fingers, or pacifiers may help babies learn more about their world, self-soothe, relax, and fall asleep.

However, past the age of four, the American Dental Association warns against prolonged thumb, finger, and pacifier sucking. Why? Because that’s the age when the gums, jaw, and permanent teeth begin their most significant growth.

As the gums, jaw, and permanent teeth really start growing, continued thumb sucking can cause a misalignment of the teeth (otherwise known as malocclusion) or changes to the roof of the mouth. Now, these may go away if the habit is stopped. But over time, the thumb eventually pushes the top teeth out, at which point orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry procedures may be necessary to correct alignment.

“Thumb sucking after age five may affect the shape of the child’s mouth and palate and can change the relationship between the child’s upper and lower jaw. This may cause the upper teeth to protrude and be more prominent. In some cases thumb sucking can even lead to an “open bite” where the front teeth do not correctly align in the middle, leaving a gap.”
(University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)

Do Pacifiers Cause Buck Teeth?

Yes, pacifiers can affect teeth similarly to sucking fingers and thumbs, especially as the jaws, gums, and permanent teeth grow. That being said, pacifier sucking is usually an easier habit for young ones to break.

The Intensity of Thumbsucking Makes a Difference

The intensity of thumb sucking will affect the likelihood of future dental problems. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have alignment issues than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Very aggressive thumb sucking can even cause problems to baby (primary) teeth.

If your child is a thumb sucker – don’t worry too much just yet. Children usually stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of two and four.

How to Stop Thumb Sucking

Are you currently trying to help your child wean off sucking their thumb or pacifier? Remember, this self-soothing is typically a response to anxiety and stress. Here are a few recommendations from our Dakota Dental team as you and your little one work through this issue together:

• Wean your child off thumbsucking slowly instead of using the “cold turkey” approach. Use plenty of positive reinforcement, especially at the beginning of the process.
• Always aim to be positive and gentle. Praise children for not sucking instead of scolding them when they are.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide plenty of comfort to your child.
• Some kids might not realize they’re doing it! Help them learn self-awareness by asking if they know they’re sucking their thumb. Sometimes simply pointing it out can help kids stop.
• Older children typically appreciate being involved in choosing the method of stopping. Have honest conversations about why it’s essential; then give them a chance to decide how they’ll break the habit.
• Take them to the dentist. Sometimes hearing how important it is to break a habit can be more effective when it comes from a professional. Our Apple Valley dentists offer positive encouragement and information, explaining what might happen to their teeth if they continue sucking their thumb and how important proper dental hygiene is to their overall health and well-being!

Related: 5 Tips to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Caring for Teeth at Any Stage of Life

Regardless of the cause of misalignment or concern, your Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic is uniquely qualified to provide you with information and the appropriate dental services and cosmetic dentistry procedures. Our goal is to keep your family’s teeth strong and healthy as much as possible!

Are you concerned that your child could potentially develop buck teeth from thumbsucking? Learn more about the qualifications of our two dentists: Dr. Bennett Isabella and Dr. Kyndra Weber. Both have the education and gentle temperament to help your kids as their teeth grow and develop.

Let’s take a closer look at your kiddo’s teeth. Schedule an appointment with our team.