"My Child Sucks Their Thumb, Is That Bad?"

Here's what happens: as a child starts or continues thumb sucking, pacifier use, or even occasionally a blanket, it pushes their front teeth forward and changes the shape of those teeth. Even after the habit is kicked, that altered shape often remains.

Now, for a normal swallowing pattern, your tongue should touch the roof of your mouth to create a seal, facilitating regular swallowing. However, in patients who have sucked their thumb for an extended period, their tongue may need to move forward, maintaining that abnormal shape in order to swallow normally. The earlier this habit can be stopped, the better.

If you have more questions about this topic, please don't hesitate to contact our office.