Children and Thumbsucking

Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumbsucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep.

Thumbsucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.

Children should cease thumbsucking by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.

Pacifiers are no substitute for thumbsucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumbsucking or use the pacifier, consult your dentist.

Helping a Child Get Through Thumbsucking

Instead of scolding children for thumbsucking, praise them when they are not.

Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumbsucking.

Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide comfort.

Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents.

Your dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue.

If these approaches don't work, remind the children of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe a bitter substance to coat the thumb or use of a mouth appliance.

Information provided by ADA & in cooperation with the American Academy of Pediactric Dentistry. Your Child's Teeth, 1997