Understanding and Treatment of Thumb Sucking

Two Thumbs Up brings to the forefront:

• Who sucks their thumb?
• What are the possible approaches to alleviating this thumb or digit pattern?
• When is the best time to begin a program?
• Where to go for help in alleviating this thumb pattern?
• Why do I suck my thumb?
• How do I start a successful program?

Being in private practice for over forty years, treating thumb/finger sucking patterns, the following questions asked most frequently by my clients included:

"Why wasn't I told earlier that thumb sucking could and would do damage to my child's teeth?"
"Why wasn't I told there was someone like you to help my child stop sucking his or her thumb?"
"Why isn't there information in the Dentist, Orthodontist, or Pediatrician's office?"
"Why wasn't I told earlier something could be done?"

Well, what can they do? The chances for success with any regime are virtually nil if the child is not consciously ready and willing to give up the pattern. However, if the child indicates he or she would like to stop, but can't, “Where do they turn to?” “Two Thumbs Up” is a simplified, modern resource specifically designed to address the need to treat thumb/finger/digit sucking problems. The book stresses the importance of creating a plan and utilizing proven motivational techniques to help alleviate this pattern.

“Two Thumbs Up takes an in-depth look at the complexity of thumb sucking, complications and ramifications related to the oro-facial structures and beyond.” Christine Stevens Mills COM®

Click here forinformation on Two Thumbs Up Chapters Synopsis & Contents

Who, What, and Why of Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is generally perceived as a ‘simple habit’, something not to be concerned with, having little or no ramifications, or when ready, the thumb sucker will simply stop… or will he/she?  Thumb Sucking is more than a simple habit, it is a multi-faceted complex pattern that can affect mind and body. 

Thumb sucking is one of the most common habits of children. Approximately 50 to 87 percent of children suck their thumbs. The habit starts early in life, with 90 percent of newborns showing some form of hand sucking by 2 hours of age.

Thumb sucking is normal in infants and young children and may cause no permanent problems if it is not continued past the age of 3, unless a chronic sucking habit. Likewise, the same rules can be applied to other sucking patterns including pacifiers.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that most children stop thumb sucking on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. The Academy states there is no reason to be concerned until the front teeth start erupting. At this point, some problems may occur, including bite problems, or protruding front teeth. Other problems that may occur with thumb sucking are sore thumbs, infections, and calluses on the thumb.

For some children thumb sucking starts pre-birth. We have all seen an ultrasound image of a baby sucking his or her thumb while still in the womb. These first images are precious and thumb sucking continues to be viewed as an endearing behavior even after baby arrives.

Some babies put their thumb in their mouth; some suck on their fingers, some even put their whole fist in their mouth as they learn to utilize the sucking action necessary for survival. So, at this early stage, thumb sucking is considered natural and necessary and at this point there is very little need for concern.

When sucking action occurs between feedings it is considered to be a supplemental reward and gratification. Generally the thumb-sucking pattern will lessen or cease between the ages of three and four. Beyond that age the pressure of the thumb can contribute to many problems related to the oro-facial structure.

What is the Harm of Thumb Sucking

Damage to the dentition. Most common cross bite, excessive over- jet, and anterior open bite.
Constant pressure of thumb against the roof of the mouth can contribute to a high narrow arched palate.
Thumb/finger anchors the tongue down and forward instead of allowing the tongue to rest in the proper position on the roof of the mouth

The pressure and placement of the thumb in the mouth, along with the sucking action, can contribute to a misalignment of the dentition (teeth).

The structure and appearance of the lips can change as a result of thumb sucking.

Changes in breathing patterns called disordered breathing can result.

Chronic thumb sucking can change structure and functions. Changes that can occur; detrimental changes in growth and development to the oro-facial structure, the tongue moving forward in a thrusting action against or between the teeth during the sucking actioh, other functions will adapt and compensate causing a snowball effect of problems.

• Problems in the size and shape of the dental arches, such as a narrow upper arch, an open bite in front, or excessive protrusion of front teeth

• Constant pressure of thumb against the roof of the mouth can contribute to a high narrow arched palate

• Thumb/finger (digit) anchors the tongue down and forward instead of allowing the tongue to rest in the proper position on the roof of the mouth

• Contributes to abnormal tongue patterns such as thrusting of the tongue

• Skin or cuticle infections and or calluses on thumb/finger/ digit

• Altered breathing patterns. Changes in breathing can result in changes in facial growth patterns and abnormal resting tongue and lip postures

• Speech problems: frontal/t/~/d/~/n/~/l/or /s/ lisp

• Difficulty focusing on a subject when thumb sucking occurs in a school setting

• Possible reduction of peer acceptance and or bullying

• Changes to the dentition. Most common cross bite, excessive over-jet, anterior open bite.

Pictures illustrating the damage that can occur from prolonged thumb sucking

Christine Stevens Mills COM®

The author is an IAOM Certified Orofacial Myologist and Speech Language Pathologist.   Christine served on the IAOM board for several years.  In 1994 she obtained the position of Assistant Professor at the University of Detroit Mercy Orthodontic Department teaching a graduate course on Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, retiring from the University in 2015.

Two Thumbs Up
Chapters
Synopsis & Contents

• Understanding the Goals and Guidelines

• The Pathway to Success

• Prepare for a Thumb Program 

• What is and why address the ‘trigger?’

• The Professional Connection

• Sample Step by Step Thumb Program

• Habit Breaking Appliance vs. Behavior Modification

Orofacial Myology and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)

Orofacial Myology is field specializing in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders. It is an exercise- based treatment modality assessing and addressing rest posture problems and orofacial disfunctions. This holistic approach treats the whole body by working with the muscles of the face, tongue, mouth and jaw to create symmetry balance and proper oral habits.