Sucking on a thumb is a harmless and normal habit that most babies and toddlers indulge in during their early years. Usually the habit will peter out by the age of six — but some toddlers persist with thumb-sucking beyond this time.
This is not advisable as the sucking motion can have adverse effects on the development of their teeth and jaws and cause problems such as:
- An improper bite
- Protruding front teeth
- Crowded or crooked teeth
If your child’s thumb-sucking is causing concern you should schedule an appointment with your child-friendly dentist who will evaluate the situation and offer solutions on how to break the habit. Read more at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/your-childs-thumb-sucking-may-be-causing-crooked-teeth/.
Matthew Houlton BDS(Sheffield) MFGDP(UK)I’m Matthew Houlton, principal dentist and practice owner of Manor House Dental Practice.
Qualified from Sheffield dental hospital in 1993.
Post graduate training with Paul Tipton (Specialist Prosthodontist) from 2005-2007.
Diploma for Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) 2007.
Special interest in Orthodontics.
Yorkshire Deanary Fixed Appliance Training Scheme 2002-2004.
I have worked at York Hospital’s orthodontic department one session a week since 2009.
Member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies (the study of temporomandibular disorder).
I have two children, who keep me busy when I am not at the practice. I take a keen interest in and teach Aikido, a martial art, to keep a healthy mind and body.
