Dental News: "Thumb sucking" clinic opens in UK

Children who suck their thumb are more likely to have dental problems requiring orthodontic treatment according to leading orthodontists. Thumb sucking can prevent the jaw aligning properly which leads to crooked teeth, problems chewing and speech development problems.

A team of orthodontists have established a "thumb sucking" clinic intended to deter children from sucking their thumbs which cause dental problems. The dentists hope by preventing problems caused by continual thumb sucking at an early age more children will be able to avoid dental braces and more extensive orthodontic treatment.

Parents whose children suck their thumbs shouldn't worry unduly - although dentists recommend children are encouraged not to suck their thumbs, the habit does not start to cause damage until milk teeth fall out and the adult teeth begin to grow through.