{"id":145,"date":"2023-01-17T19:55:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T19:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/?p=145"},"modified":"2023-02-13T20:01:11","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T20:01:11","slug":"thumb-sucking-and-how-to-stop-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/2023\/01\/17\/thumb-sucking-and-how-to-stop-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How Thumb Sucking Affects Your Child’s Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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According to the American Dental Association (ADA), thumb sucking doesn’t cause permanent teeth or jaw problems when it\u2019s stopped before age four. Though anywhere from 85 to 99% of children are done sucking their thumb before this time, continuing the habit past this point can lead to oral health problems. Keep reading to learn about a few potential complications of prolonged thumb sucking<\/a> and tips on guiding your child toward healthier oral habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Your Child Sucks Their Thumb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, why do children suck on their thumbs in the first place? Putting thanks in their mouths is their way of learning, exploring, and understanding how the world works. Additionally, for some children, thumb sucking is a source of comfort, much like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though children tend to outgrow this behavior without any intervention, that isn’t always the case. Some kids may increase the amount of thumb sucking they do or return to it when they’re feeling anxious or stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Potential Dangers of Thumb Sucking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Though no condition is caused exclusively by thumb sucking and it is safe for younger children, it can lead to oral health complications if continued past a certain age. Be sure to monitor this habit so your child doesn\u2019t develop problems like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n