Thumb sucking is a natural behavior during the first months of life and, for many children, it represents a form of comfort and security.
However, when this habit continues over the years, it can begin to interfere with the development of teeth, jaws and even breathing.
What changes can it bring about?
Continuous finger pressure on the teeth and palate can alter the normal growth of the mouth, leading to situations such as:
- open bite (the front teeth stop touching);
- crossbite;
- upper teeth that protrude more;
- narrow upper jaw;
- Jaw set further back.
These changes can influence not only the aesthetics of the smile, but also important functions such as chewing, breathing and the harmonious development of the face.
It doesn’t just affect the teeth.
When a child maintains this habit for several years, changes may occur in the position of the tongue and the functioning of the facial muscles.
As a consequence, it is more likely that the following will occur:
- Mouth breathing;
- difficulties with chewing and swallowing;
- speech changes;
- Less balanced facial growth.
That is why, currently, Children’s Orthodontics evaluates much more than the simple alignment of teeth, also analyzing the functional development of the mouth and face.
How can I help the child?
Abandonment of the habit must happen gradually, without punishments or reprimands.
The most important thing is to understand why the child seeks this comfort, positively reinforce each progress and seek an evaluation when the habit persists or there are already visible changes.
The importance of early assessment
At SUN Lisboa, the Pediatric Orthodontics consultation allows you to assess jaw growth, breathing, tongue position and muscle function.
When necessary, Functional Jaw Orthopedics (OFM) can guide the child’s growth at a stage in which it is still possible to correct these changes in a simpler and more predictable way.
The sooner these changes are identified, the greater the likelihood of promoting balanced growth and avoiding more complex treatments in the future.
