Thumb sucking seems like an innocent habit. Why is there so much concern?
Thumb sucking looks cute and innocent but is actually a harmful habit with serious consequences affecting the oral structures resulting in expensive orthodontic work and significant issues affecting speech production. When an object is inside the mouth there is no place for the tongue to properly rest. As a result the tongue will push against the teeth or the roof of the mouth. The result of this behavior is teeth spreading or developing in angles. The roof of the mouth may become narrow or too wide creating a poorly formed arch. Speech, chewing and swallowing are almost always affected because these structures in the mouth have changed and are not in the proper alignment. Often children who suck on their thumb or fingers or any type of object will be unable to pronounce many sounds resulting in unclear speech and communication. In addition, there may be issues with managing foods and liquids affecting eating, drinking and swallowing. When the habit continues into school many children
