What oral habit is associated with thumb sucking?

Thumb sucking is primarily associated with its potential to cause malocclusion. This oral habit often affects the development of the teeth and jaw positioning. Continuous pressure from the thumb against the teeth can lead to misalignment, where teeth do not fit together correctly, resulting in various types of malocclusion. This can manifest as overbites, underbites, or crossbites, which may require orthodontic intervention to correct once the individual is older.

The impact on gum health is generally less direct compared to its effects on dental alignment. Although prolonged thumb sucking can contribute to hygiene issues that might indirectly affect gums, the primary concern lies in its role in altering tooth positioning. Additionally, malocclusion results in a need for complex dental treatments in the future, hence emphasizing its significance in dental development. The other provided options do not accurately reflect the primary consequence of thumb sucking on oral health, as thumb sucking does not improve jaw alignment or enhance tooth durability.