How The Spot Pal Can Help Eliminate Thumb Sucking

Did you know thumb sucking can affect your oral cavity and affect how your tongue rests in your mouth if it is done past the expected age? Prolonged thumb sucking can contribute to a high and narrow palate, or roof of the mouth, which negatively impacts the amount of room for the tongue to rest properly. Due to limited room in the mouth, the tongue will find ways to compensate for more room. Such as resting against the teeth and moving anteriorly when articulating and swallowing. This results in articulation difficulties, chewing/swallowing deficits, and dental problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk of dental problems is related to how often, how long and, how intensely the child is sucking on their thumb.

Thumb sucking should be eliminated in the early toddler years, preferable by 1 year of age. If the child is sucking their thumb past the recommended age, it is best to find ways to break the habit. Some argue that any type of sucking habit should be eliminated by approximately 6 months of age as this is when the sucking reflex is known to subside. The palate is malleable and can reform to the proper shape within the age range of 3-4 years old. This is why it is crucial to eliminate the thumb sucking habit sooner than later.

How can the Spot Pal help with eliminating this habit?

• It discourages the tongue’s ability to sit against the teeth at rest.

• It discourages the pushing of the tongue against the teeth when swallowing and speaking.

• It encourages the tongue to rest correctly in the roof of the mouth rather than in any space created by a malocclusion.

• It deters sucking habits such as thumb, finger, and/or tongue sucking as well as nail biting and teeth grinding

If you have any further questions about your child’s thumb sucking habits, please email info@thespotpal.com for call 87-SPOTPAL 1.