Can thumb sucking affect my toddlers talking?

Question

My 20 month old sucks his thumb all the time and He only says a few words. Nothing like other kids his age though. I'm trying not to worry to much.

Answer 1

I was reading "What to Expect in the First Year" and it said as long as the quit by the time they start getting their permanent teeth in, it doesn't do any damage.

It's a bad habit and I'm constantly pulling my four month's old hand down to keep him from getting that habit, but other than not being able to understand him with the thumb in his mouth - I don't think it'll hurt anything.

Answer 2

In 20 years of practice, I never saw a child whose thumb-sucking or pacifier use affected speech development. Some had an open bite or an over-jet (basically, "buck teeth") and both conditions are correctable with orthodontics.
As far as his vocabulary is concerned, he should be adding new words daily. He should have a vocabulary of about 50 words by the time he's 24 mos old. At that time, he will begin to use 2-word utterances.
Have you had his hearing tested? If he's had ear infections or allergies, his hearing may be affected.
If he isn't using 2-word utterances by 30 months, he should see a speech pathologist.

Answer 3

My nephew sucked his thumb until he was 3 and has had problems with his speech as well as with his teeth. He is 11 now and is still in speech therapy and is wearing braces. I don't know that it is all due to thumb sucking but I would say that if there is a way to stop it I would!

Answer 4

I don't feel this will hurt his talking. I sucked my thumb when I was younger and I did not and do not have any problems with my speech. Also my teeth weren't hurt either. What are you going to do if he is sucking thumb? I mean what can you really do? If your force him to stop or try to stop him he will want to suck it even more because you are stressing him not to do it. When my son gets upset he sucks on his fingers and he doesn't have a problem with speech or his teeth.

Answer 5

Yes, it can! It the same as when children are too reliant on pacifiers and it sometimes effects there developement of language- not to mention there teeth. But I guess it all depends on how often he does it and how important it is to him to suck his thumb over communicating his needs. If he only does as a method of soothing himself when he goes to sleep- than i wouldnt worry about it too much. But none the less- for oral hygeine purposes and especially germs- I would try to get him out of the habit

Answer 6

No, but thumb sucking can change the natural way of his tooth growing and this can affect his talking!
On the other hand, remember every kid is different and his growing process is different. But if you are too worry go with a speech specialist.

Answer 7

I don't think him sucking his thumb is developmentally keeping him behind - it may get in the way of the words he is trying to say - kids all develop differently - just let him go - if you are concerned talk to his doctor

Answer 8

my almost 6 year old twin sons are both major thumb-suckers and both speak very well. I wouldn't worry about the thumb-sucking part, I would just try some techniques to increase his language skills

Answer 9

It can and cant. I sucked my finger until I went to middle school and have perfect teeth and proper English. But I do know people who suck there thumb and teeth stick out slightly causing a "liss". So just monitor the child teeth to prevent any damage.

Answer 10

I sucked my thumb, and the only possible negative results appeared to be that I needed braces later on.

My cousin sucked his thumb until he was 7. My aunt had alot of trouble breaking him of this habit.
He's grown now, & it appears to have had no adverse effects.