At Kidz-R-Kool Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Morghan and Dr. Fatima understand that thumb and finger sucking are common habits in infants and young children. In fact, many children begin this habit early, sometimes even before birth.
While thumb sucking is a normal and comforting behavior for many infants, it’s important to monitor the habit as your child grows to ensure it does not affect their dental development.
How Common Are Thumb And Finger Habits?
Thumb and finger sucking are very common in early childhood. Studies show that between 75% and 95% of infants engage in this habit.
Most children naturally stop on their own between the ages of two and four without any intervention.
When Can Thumb Sucking Become A Concern?
If thumb or finger sucking continues beyond the time when permanent teeth begin to erupt, it may begin to affect your child’s oral development.
At this stage, it may be time to take steps to help break the habit.
What Problems Can Thumb Sucking Cause?
Prolonged thumb or finger sucking can lead to several dental concerns, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Crossbites
- Changes to the shape of the roof of the mouth
- Jaw development issues, such as overbites and anterior open bites
- Potential speech concerns
The severity of these issues depends on how often, how long, and how intensely the habit occurs, as well as on the finger’s position in the mouth.
How Can I Help My Child Break The Habit?
Breaking a thumb-sucking habit takes patience, encouragement, and consistency. Positive reinforcement is often the most effective approach.
Helpful strategies include:
- Offer praise when your child is not sucking their thumb instead of focusing on the habit
- Place a bandage on the thumb or a sock over the hand at night or during quiet activities as a reminder
- Create a progress chart and reward your child for days without thumb sucking
- Provide a larger reward after reaching longer milestones
- Address any underlying anxiety if the habit occurs during stressful situations
- Identify common times when the habit occurs and create distractions
- Explain how thumb sucking can affect their teeth in a way they can understand
- Be aware of associated habits, such as attachment to a blanket or stuffed animal, which may need to be addressed as well
Encouraging your child to be involved in the process can increase their motivation and success.
