Thumb or Finger Sucking
Sucking on a thumb or finger is completely normal that some babies develop even before they’re born. If this habit continues after age three, it may cause some bite concerns.
Thumb sucking is just one reason why it’s important to maintain your child’s regular schedule of dental exams, starting from the age of 1 year. We can also teach you and your child effective oral hygiene techniques, help prevent tooth decay, and generally monitor dental growth and development. Though orthodontics can usually fix bite problems that result from sucking habits, we’d just as soon help you avoid this expense if possible!
Help Your Child Break the Habit
Children that continue finger or thumb sucking past age 3 can exhibit bite issues like open bite, although it’s important that we don’t intervene too soon. Ask us about this habit during your visit.
Most children break thumb-sucking habits on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. So if you’re trying to get your child to stop, the first thing to do is simply ignore it. Pacifiers are generally given up sooner than thumbs or fingers. If your child seems unable to stop when it’s time, positive reinforcements will tend to work better than negative (e.g., putting a bitter substance on the thumb). Here are a few things to try:
Praise & Reward. Explain to your child why it’s so important not to suck thumbs and think of a way to reward them for not doing it — as long as it’s not with tooth-harming sweets! Stickers or an activity they enjoy might work well. Always offer gentle reminders rather than scold when you notice a thumb in your child’s mouth, and praise them when they stop.
Comfort & Distract. Children have different triggers for thumb sucking. Does your child tend to do it when stressed or bored? If so, some extra hugs might help, or an activity to keep those little hands busy.
Get Creative. You know your child best. Maybe there’s a method that would be particularly motivating for them. For example, you could tie their pacifier to a helium balloon and send it up to the Tooth Fairy. When she receives it, she can leave a special present under his pillow!
Let Us Help. If your child sucks their thumb, fingers, or a pacifier, be sure to let us know. We can talk to them and help them understand how it will benefit their teeth to kick the habit. If necessary, we can fit them with a special oral appliance called a tongue crib, which physically prevents thumb sucking and can break the habit in a few months.