Part of being a good parent means keeping an eye on the habits that will shape the future health of your child. Learning about damage to teeth from thumbsucking can help you identify the habit early, understand what to expect, and learn when and how to intervene. See key information you need about children’s teeth after thumbsucking, the major markers, and how to nip this habit in the bud before it becomes a problem.

How Serious Is Thumbsucking?

Young child lying on bed at an angle and sucking thumb

As it turns out, whether or not you should be concerned about damage to teeth from thumbsucking has a lot to do with not just if it happens, but when it happens. According to the Mayo Clinic, thumbsucking is only a major cause for concern when your child’s permanent teeth have begun to come in. This is partly because your child’s baby teeth are temporary, so any changes to teeth after thumbsucking will be temporary as well, but also because this crucial time is when your child’s palate and tooth alignment can be affected by the habit. 

When Should I Intervene?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, thumbsucking should be addressed if it continues past age five. Parents may wish to address the habit sooner, and some wisdom calls for tactics to deter your child from thumbsucking by the age of three. If you’re concerned about damage to teeth from thumbsucking, erring on the side of acting sooner rather than later may be advised. 

What Happens to Teeth After Thumbsucking?

Mother holding toddler in pink dress with headband

Damage to teeth from thumbsucking can be a concern for parents. It can impact the alignment of the teeth as well as the shape of the mouth. If left unchecked, thumbsucking can cause an overbite, or cause the teeth to slant outward, leading to the need for braces or more serious periodontal intervention later on. 

What Should Parents Do?

Promoting good oral health from a young age is an important effort for parents to make with their children. Communicate with your child thoughtfully and openly about good habits and the potential damage to teeth from thumbsucking, and let them know that you’re looking out for their best interests.