Thumbsucking

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Sucking Thumb
Sucking Thumb

Sucking the thumb by an infant or a child is not uncommon, can be completely normal and does not necessarily indicate any health problems. Many

Adaptive thumb sucking
The development of anterior open bite as a combined effect of both a small jaw (anterior mandibular hypoplasia) and adaptive thumb sucking

Why do kids suck their thumb?[edit | edit source]

  • It is believed that thumb sucking can make children feel secure and happy.
  • Children also may suck their thumbs when they are tired, hungry, bored, or stressed
  • They may also suck their thumb when they are trying to calm down or fall asleep.

Effect on bite[edit | edit source]

  • Adaptive thumbsucking can be the reason for the development of anterior open bite which is due to the combined effect of both a small jaw (anterior mandibular hypoplasia) and adaptive thumb sucking.
Thumbsucking Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Dr.T