Thumb sucking and finger sucking are habits common in many children — in fact, nearly one third of all children suck on their thumbs or fingers in their first year of life. Sadly, it can quietly cause problems down the line.
1Thumb Sucking Can Cause Oral Health Problems
Thumb sucking can lead to many oral developmental issues that negatively affect the growth of the mouth. It can cause an open bite, where the top and bottom teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. It can also lead to a narrowing and distortion of the palate, and misaligned bite patterns and abnormal speech are common.
2What Causes Thumb Sucking?
Boredom, anxiety, anger, hunger, or even sadness can all cause children to suck on their fingers for comfort. Most often, children suck on their thumbs or fingers to soothe an uncomfortable emotional state or a stressful situation.
3Quick Tips to Defeat Thumb Sucking
If your child hasn’t stopped sucking their thumb or fingers by age 4, it’s time to gently wean them from the habit — their mouth is developing rapidly, and thumb sucking can interfere with that process. These five approaches work well together:
Identify Their Triggers
Figure out what prompts the habit. Once you know the trigger, you can use positive reinforcement or prepare your child for the situation ahead of time.
Intervene Gently
Step in when you catch your child in the act. Calmly explain that thumb sucking is a habit that needs to stop so they can stay as healthy as possible.
Take a Family Approach
You can’t be everywhere at once. Enlist the whole family and use the same language and technique so your child gets a consistent, reassuring message.
Divert Their Attention
When you catch them, redirect with a favorite stuffed animal or toy — something that keeps their hands and mind busy so the habit stops in the moment.
✨ Bonus Tip: Cover Their Thumbs
Make thumbs a little less appetizing by wrapping them with a Band-Aid or soft cloth. This surprisingly simple trick works well — it gently reminds children of the habit and encourages them to get their uncovered thumbs back as soon as possible.
4When to Visit Our Office
Thumb sucking is a habit that can be corrected with the right knowledge and support. Schedule an appointment so we can teach your child about the benefits of a healthy smile — through good brushing and flossing, a mouth-healthy diet, and ourpreventive care services.
Worried About the Habit?
If thumb sucking continues past age 4, a quick pediatric visit can put your mind at ease and protect your child’s developing smile.
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