Finger Habits that affect tooth position are usually limited to the thumb….thumb-sucking. However, other finger habits also exist.
In general, a thumb-sucking habit will produce an anterior open bite, flaring of the upper front teeth, and pushing the lower front teeth backwards.
If a child feels that their thumb-sucking habit is out of their control, I often advise parents to have the child wear a sock on the hands during the hours of sleep. I even suggest that the socks are not freshly laundered. The odor of the socks may act to dehabituate the thumb-sucking.
Finger habits, answered.
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Book a complimentary examHow does thumb-sucking affect the teeth?
A thumb-sucking habit generally produces an anterior open bite, flares the upper front teeth outward, and pushes the lower front teeth backward.
How can I help my child stop thumb-sucking?
If a child feels the habit is out of their control, we often advise having the child wear a sock on the hands during sleep — and even a not-freshly-laundered sock, since the odor can help dehabituate the sucking.
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