Thumb sucking is a common behaviour among children, providing them with comfort and security. While emotional dependence may drive some kids to suck their thumbs, others tend to do it primarily during sleep. In certain cases, children who suck their thumbs during sleep may exhibit additional symptoms such as allergies, enlarged tonsils, chronic ear infections, restless sleep, snoring, and mouth breathing, which can impact their jaw development.
Thumb sucking can also be associated with dental problems such as forwardly placed teeth, spacing or overlapping between teeth, short and everted lower lips, open mouth posture, and crossbites.
Additionally, some children with thumb-sucking habits may have a tongue tie, a condition where the lingual frenulum is shorter, affecting swallowing, breathing, and speech. Identifying and addressing a tongue tie early on is vital for promoting healthy myofunctional development and preventing dental and speech-related issues.
When a child sucks their thumb, they try to stimulate pleasure receptors in the roof of the mouth. The tongue may rest lower in the mouth due to mouth breathing, low muscle tone or a tongue tie. This altered tongue posture prevents it from stimulating the pleasure receptors in the roof of the mouth. A tongue tie is a condition where the child’s tongue is tethered to the floor of their mouth, limiting its movement. Consequently, the child may not be able to raise the tongue to the roof of the mouth, which can hinder proper development. The tongue is considered the natural jaw expander.
Moreover, in some cases, thumb sucking during sleep may serve as a way to push the tongue out of the airway, potentially helping the child breathe more easily during their slumber, especially if they have a tongue tie. However, this can further contribute to the incorrect resting position of the tongue and may lead to issues like malocclusions, such as open bites or crossbites, impacting dental arch development.
Furthermore, a thumb sucking habit can also disrupt normal swallowing patterns. The thumb can interfere with the tongue’s natural movement during swallowing, potentially leading to tongue thrusting or an abnormal swallowing pattern. These issues can further contribute to dental misalignments and affect the coordination of oral muscles.
Parents and caregivers need to be aware of the potential impact of thumb-sucking on myofunctional development and take proactive measures such as thumb sucking treatment to address the habit.
The use of pacifiers among infants and young children offers several benefits, including soothing and comforting them. Pacifiers provide a natural way for babies to satisfy their innate need to suck, which can help them feel secure and content. However, it is essential to consider its potential impact on myofunctional development.
Pacifiers can influence tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and oral muscle coordination, just like thumb sucking. To summarise:
Thumb sucking and pacifier use become problematic when they persist beyond the age of 2-3 years. This is the critical age range when these habits can negatively affect myofunctional development and increase the risk of dental problems.
Parents should be alert to signs that may indicate potential issues, such as dental misalignments, open bites, speech difficulties, or breathing problems. If any of these signs are observed, it is important to consult with a paediatric dentist or orthodontist to assess the impact of pacifier use on myofunctional development and determine the appropriate course of action.
There are several strategies that can be employed to intervene and manage the impact of thumb sucking and pacifier use on myofunctional development. These strategies aim to address the underlying causes, promote healthy habits, and facilitate proper oral muscle coordination.
Listed below are some effective approaches recommended by experienced healthcare provider:
Myofunctional development is vital for oral health, including tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and oral muscle coordination. As observed in this guide, Thumb sucking and pacifier use impact myofunctional development. So, it is crucial to encourage healthy alternatives and seek professional guidance. It is important to seek help of an airway paediatric dentist when persistent thumb sucking or pacifier use is observed, as early intervention can prevent long-term consequences. Treatment options include myofunctional therapy, oral appliances, airway orthodontics and behavioural techniques.
For more information or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to dental and medical professionals. Your child’s oral health and myofunctional development are key to their overall well-being.
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