Finger and Thumb-sucking

You may be concerned about your child’s thumbsucking and wonder if it is harmful, at what age your child should stop, or what could happen if your child doesn’t stop.

Sucking is a natural reflex for children. As infants get older it serves many purposes. Sucking on their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects may make babies feel secure and happy and help them learn about their world. Young children may also suck to soothe themselves. Since thumb-sucking is relaxing, it may help them fall asleep.

After the permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result. If children rest their thumbs passively in their mouths, they are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Some aggressive thumb-suckers may cause problems with their baby (primary) teeth. If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, consult your dentist.

Children should have ceased sucking by the time the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four years and 80% of kids will naturally stop thumb-sucking habits by kindergarten, around age 5. But if they haven’t naturally stopped, you will have to help them do so.

Pacifiers can affect the teeth in essentially the same ways as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, it is often an easier habit to break.

Tips:

• Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they are.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
• For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping.
• Your dentist can offer encouragement to a child and gently explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
• You can try reminding your kiddo of their habit by sticking a bandaid on the thumb or finger or putting a sock on the hand at night.
• If all else fails, your dentist can make your child a thumb-inhibiting mouth appliance for use at night.
• Breaking any habit is hard, but thumb-sucking is really hard! Unlike the pacifier, you cannot simply take the thumb (or fingers) away. So, as an incentive, Dr. Dunne recommends making a calendar or chart for a 14 day period. If your child can stop the habit for 14 days in a row and can bring Dr. Dunne this chart showing they did it, he will give them a special prize!