Thumb Sucking and Speech

Thumb sucking is a common behavior in young children, providing comfort and self-soothing. However, extended periods of thumb sucking can lead to changes in dental structure and affect speech patterns, especially if the behavior continues past certain ages. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), understanding the effects of thumb sucking on speech and dental development can help parents and caregivers make informed decisions about when and how to address it (ASHA, 2023).

Frequent thumb sucking can cause misalignment of the teeth and changes in the roof of the mouth. According to ASHA, thumb sucking after age 3 can gradually push teeth forward or create an open bite, a condition where the front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed (ASHA, 2023). These dental changes can impact speech by affecting how sounds are produced and by limiting the tongue's range of motion.

The physical changes in dental structure caused by prolonged thumb sucking can also lead to speech issues. When teeth are misaligned, it can affect the production of certain sounds, particularly “s,” “sh,” “ch,” and “j” sounds. Children with open bites or other thumb-sucking-related dental issues might develop a lisp or have difficulty articulating certain sounds clearly (ASHA, 2023). This can impact communication and may require speech therapy for correction.

Thumb sucking is considered normal in infants and toddlers, and many children naturally stop this behavior by age 4. However, if the habit continues beyond this age, it’s more likely to impact dental and speech development. ASHA suggests that parents monitor thumb sucking closely if it persists past age 3 and consult with both dentists and speech-language pathologists if there are concerns about speech or dental health (ASHA, 2023).

In a forthcoming article, we’ll discuss practical techniques for reducing thumb sucking habits in children, with tips on how to address the habit gently and effectively.

References:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2023). Oral Motor Development and Speech.