​​'Is My Child's Thumb sucking or Finger Sucking Habit Really An Issue'?

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In some children (usually under the age of 3) Thumb sucking may not be a problem. Many children will cease the thumb sucking habit themselves, without causing damage to facial growth. However others who continue to suck, or those who have very strong and frequent sucking habits, may be at risk of causing extensive damage that may lead to further issues;

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• Crooked and misaligned teeth, Buck teeth, open bites, cross bites that require extensive orthodontic treatment and sometimes surgery to correct.

• ​Children with thumb sucking, finger sucking habits often develop speech issues due to tongue thrust and/or anterior open bite​, such as a lisp.

• ​​Orofacial Myofunctional disorders such as; abnormal chewing and swallowing patterns, tongue thrust, improper tongue position.

• Problems with the skin/area being sucked, calluses (areas of tough, hard skin on the thumb), skin abrasions and/or infections.​

• Growth of high vaulted Palates (roof of the mouth) that can in turn effect the growth of the sinuses causing a life time of breathing issues.

• Mouth Breathing issues. 

• Social issues and difficulty communicating.