
Are the following statements true or false?
Thumb sucking in children may cause problems with their teeth later on.
A: TRUE
Prolonged thumb sucking may be responsible for many problems with the bite. The constant pressure of the thumb itself can create a gap between the top and bottom teeth in front, a condition called an “open bite.” It also reinforces the habit of using the “tongue thrust” motion in swallowing, where the tongue is positioned between top and bottom teeth. This habit may also block full eruption of the front teeth.
Infants and young children swallow exactly the same way that adults do.
A: FALSE
When they swallow, young children use what is called the “infantile swallowing pattern.” In this method, which begins before their teeth have erupted, the tongue is thrust forward in the mouth, sealing and supporting the lips. In adult swallowing, the tongue touches the roof of the mouth, behind the front teeth. The transition from the infantile method usually happens naturally, by around age 4.
Most open bites result from the habit of positioning the tongue too far forward.
A: TRUE
Failure to transition between the infantile and adult swallowing pattern is believed to be the cause of most open bites. The tongue's position alone may prevent the front teeth from fully developing. Allowing the thumb to rest between the teeth has the same effect — and it can also push the front teeth forward. Other causes of an open bite are skeletal or jaw-related problems.
It is harder to cure open bites caused by thumb sucking or bad tongue position than those from other causes.
A: FALSE
Open bites that are caused by skeletal factors (patterns of bone growth, etc) are often difficult to resolve. Those caused by dental factors (tongue position, tooth eruption, etc) are generally easier to fix. However, the pressure exerted by the thumb over a long period of time can influence bone growth in the jaw.
There is a dental appliance that can help discourage thumb sucking.
A: TRUE
A thin metal “tongue crib” placed behind upper and lower incisors discourages the thumb-sucking habit. It also helps to “re-train” the tongue, keeping it from going between upper and lower teeth. To successfully treat an open bite caused by dental factors, and to prevent its reoccurrence, it is essential to eliminate the unhelpful habits of both the thumb and the tongue.
If you would like more information about thumb sucking or open-bite problems in children, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “How Thumb Sucking Affects The Bite.”
Comments:
Find Us
Dentist - Lancaster
1011 East Avenue J
661-948-8100
Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- pregnancy (1)
- oral health (20)
- celebrity smiles (72)
- orthodontics (19)
- braces (14)
- clear orthodontic aligners (2)
- bridge (2)
- dental implant (2)
- tooth decay (7)
- dry mouth (1)
- impacted wisdom teeth (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- common symptoms (2)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- diabetes (3)
- sealants (4)
- thumb sucking (3)
- pediatric dentistry (13)
- veneers (3)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- dental emergency (2)
- dental injury (5)
- smile makeover (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (9)
- dental implants (19)
- missing teeth (1)
- gap (1)
- dental exam (1)
- palatal expanders (2)
- sugar substitutes (1)
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- Night Guards (3)
- Lancaster (2)
- blood pressure (1)
- dental hygiene (2)
- oral hygiene (21)
- Invisalign (6)
- teeth whitening (2)
- oral cancer (3)
- impacted teeth (1)
- frenectomy (1)
- periodontal disease (3)
- gum disease (12)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- financing (1)
- mouthguards (3)
- Cosmetic Contouring (1)
- crown (1)
- dental injuries (2)
- headgear (1)
- clear aligners (1)
- (1)
- Full Mouth Replacement Implants (1)
- implants (1)
- orthodontic treatment (8)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- Bridges (2)
- bonding (1)
- palatal expander (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- Milk (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- mouth sensitivity (1)
- bad breath (1)
- laser dentistry (2)
- root canal treatment (3)
- gummy smiles (1)
- soda (1)
- nutrition (2)
- dentures (1)
- retainers (2)
- food (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- restorative dentistry (5)
- dental bridge (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- teeth grinding (1)
- oral appliance (1)
- Oral Hygiene Habits (1)
- fillings (2)
- dental crowns (8)
- dental bridges (1)
- toothache (3)
- antibiotics (1)
- Root Canal (2)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- jaw surgery (1)
- shingles (2)
- Night Guard (1)
- tooth extraction (1)
- gum recession (2)
- tooth pain (2)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- retainer (1)
- lump (1)
- Crowns and Bridges (1)
- pulp capping (1)
- medicine (1)
- baby teeth (1)