Thumb / Tongue Habits

Thumb & Tongue Habitsthumbing-of-teeth

With a tongue thrust, during the act of swallowing, an incorrect positioning of the tongue may contribute to misaligned facial development and misaligned teeth.

With thumbsucking, similar type of misalignments can occur. This behavior should be remedied as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage to the teeth and Jaws.

Negative effects of these habits:

  • May have a negative effect on the development of the teeth, particularly dental eruption patterns and the alignment of the teeth and jaws.

  • Speech patterns may become distorted or misarticulated.

  • May have a negative influence in the functioning of the temporomandibular joint.

At what age should therapy begin:

Children as young as 6 years old can benefit from an appliance to "HELP" them break the habit - but like smoking ...you have to "WANT" to do it.