Thumb Sucking

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On 22/04/202112/06/2025By Developer ThemeIn Dental Care, Dental Technologies

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are common, self-soothing and low-risk behaviours in infants, toddlers and young children. However, if they continue beyond the early developmental years, they can interfere with dental, skeletal, and speech development.

At Park St Dental Practice in Mona Vale, we offer early intervention solutions, including orthodontic appliances like tongue cribs, to help guide your child’s oral and facial development and prevent long-term complications.

When Is Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrust a Concern?

While thumb sucking and tongue thrust are often harmless in babies and toddlers, persistent habits in older children can impact:

  • Adult tooth development

  • Skeletal and jaw growth

  • Speech articulation

  • Bite alignment

If these habits continue past the age of 4–5, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation.

Potential Effects of Prolonged Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrusting

These behaviors can lead to a range of dental and oral health issues, including:

  • Protrusion of the upper front teeth

  • Development of an open bite or overbite

  • Improper swallowing patterns (tongue thrust swallow)

  • Misaligned jaw growth

  • Speech issues (e.g., lisping or difficulty with certain sounds)

 

Signs Your Child May Have a Tongue Thrust Habit

  • The tongue pushes forward against the front teeth during speech or swallowing

  • Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose

  • Persistent open-lip posture or lips that don’t fully close

  • Frequent chapped or dry lips

  • Difficulty pronouncing “S,” “Z,” “T,” “D,” and “N” sounds

 

Treatment with Tongue Crib

A tongue crib is a custom orthodontic appliance used to discourage thumb and finger sucking and retrain the tongue’s position. It’s commonly recommended for school-aged children who have developed dental or jaw issues due to these habits.

 

How a Tongue Crib Works

  • A metal grate is fitted to the upper part of the mouth, making it physically impossible to create suction.

  • It blocks thumb and finger access, breaking the habit.

  • It guides the tongue to a proper resting position—backward and downward—reducing forward thrust.

 

Types of Tongue Cribs

  • Removable Tongue Cribs: Ideal for responsible children who can wear it consistently.

  • Fixed (Permanent) Tongue Cribs: Recommended for children who might be tempted to remove the appliance or forget to wear it.

 

Duration of Treatment

Most children wear a tongue crib for several months to a year, depending on the severity of the habit and their response to treatment.

 

Early Intervention Is the Key

If you suspect your child is showing signs of tongue thrust or is struggling to stop thumb sucking, early orthodontic evaluation can prevent future complications. At Park St Dental Practice, we’re here to guide you through your options and support your child’s healthy oral development.

You can call us today on (02) 9997 5770 or Book Online for a consultation.

 

Thumb Sucking and Tongue Thrust
Fixed Tongue Crib

 

 

Author: Dr Neda Gorji