Between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Here is when it stops being harmless, what it can do to a child's teeth, and how to help them break the habit.
Thumb sucking and finger sucking are among the most comforting things a child can do. Most children begin sucking their thumb or fingers from a young age, with many even beginning inside the womb. Roughly 75% to 95% of infants suck their thumbs, so chances are there is a former thumb sucker in your family. Unfortunately, excessive thumb sucking or finger sucking can affect your child's oral health, so it is important to watch for signs.
What Signs Should I Watch For?
Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and it serves an important purpose: providing a sense of security and contentment. It can also be relaxing, which is why children suck their fingers while falling asleep. According to the Canadian Dental Association, most children stop sucking on their own between the ages of two and four. They simply grow out of a habit that is no longer useful to them.
However, some children continue beyond their preschool years. If your child is still sucking on their fingers when their permanent teeth start to erupt, it may be time to take action to break the habit.
What Are the Consequences of Thumb Sucking?
If the sucking is passive - the thumb or finger gently resting inside the mouth - oral health issues are unlikely. Aggressive sucking, however, which places pressure on the mouth or teeth, may cause issues with tooth alignment and mouth growth. Extended sucking affects both the teeth and the shape of the face, leading to issues such as improper bites, crooked teeth, or misaligned teeth and jaw.
How Can I Help My Child Quit Thumb Sucking?
Be supportive and positive. Instead of punishing your child for aggressive sucking, give praise when they do not. Punishing them for the activity is likely to create resentment and a lack of trust in your judgment. Explain clearly what may happen to their teeth if they keep sucking, and support their attempts to stop.
If you notice your child sucking when they are anxious, help them reduce that anxiety. In that situation, sucking on their fingers is a symptom of a larger problem, so the larger problem should be addressed first to ensure it does not spiral into worse symptoms.
- Try putting a bandage on your child's thumb or fingers, or a sock over their hand at night - explained as a reminder, not a punishment.
- Take note of the times your child tends to suck their thumb, and create diversions during those times.
- Praise the stretches of time they go without sucking rather than pointing out the times they do.
- Address anxiety or stress triggers directly, since the habit is often a coping response.
As always, use your best judgment. If you suspect your child's finger sucking is affecting their oral health, give us a call and we will take a look.