Thumb Sucking and Your Child’s Teeth: What’s Normal and When to Step In

Is it normal for my child to suck their thumb?

Thumb sucking is common among babies and toddlers. It can be a way that your child naturally soothes themselves. However, if a child sucks their thumb for too long, it can cause developmental issues in your child’s mouth, mainly in how their teeth develop. At We Make Kids Smile, your neighborhood children’s dentist near Prince Frederick and Waldorf, Maryland, has some information parents should know about their child’s thumb sucking habit.

Why do kids suck their thumbs?

Thumb sucking is a normal activity for babies and toddlers. It is a natural reaction to stressors in their lives and, oftentimes, thumb sucking is a way your child soothes themselves when they are upset. Some children may suck their thumbs as a way to help them fall asleep. Toddlers are constantly exploring their environment, and putting things into their mouth is a way for your child to learn about their surroundings.

When is thumb sucking considered normal?

Thumb sucking is a normal activity for babies and toddlers. Babies often pick up a thumb-sucking habit when they are just a few months old, and most toddlers grow out of the habit naturally around age three. If your child is still sucking their thumb by the time they are ready to attend preschool, steps should be taken to help curb the habit.

What happens if it continues too long?

If your child sucks their thumb for too long, it can lead to dental issues. If thumb sucking is a frequent activity, it could affect your child’s tooth alignment or jaw growth. This can lead to things like a misaligned bite, where your child’s teeth don’t fit together properly. Thumb sucking can also cause problems with the roof of your child’s mouth. Some children develop speech problems and could have difficulty chewing or swallowing. Lastly, some children can develop irregularly shaped teeth due to thumb sucking.

When should parents step in?

If you notice your child is still sucking their thumb by the time they reach preschool, or the age of four, this is the time to start weaning them of their thumb-sucking habit. If you notice that your child is showing signs like changes in speech or in their bite, these are signs that their thumb sucking needs to get under control. If you are unsure about your child’s thumb-sucking habit, don’t hesitate to ask the dental team at We Make Kids Smile for advice during your child’s next biannual dental checkup.

What are some gentle ways to break the thumb-sucking habit?

If you notice your child is constantly sucking their thumb, it may be time to begin breaking the habit. Like most habits, positive reinforcement works well in helping your child break their thumb-sucking habit.

If your child is sucking their thumb as a way to reduce their stress, such as during new situations, nap time, or for other reasons, work to identify your child’s stress triggers, and offer them a different coping mechanism. This could be a stuffed animal, a blanket, or even a fidget toy. Some children just need an outlet for their anxieties and stressors, and having them hold onto a comfort object can help with breaking the thumb-sucking habit.

If you find your child is sucking their thumb consistently at night, they could need thumb guards, which help to block your child from sucking their thumbs.

Some children work well with a reward system and positive reinforcement to curb their thumb sucking. Offer gentle reminders to not suck their thumb, and offer a small reward, like a sticker to place on a chart. Once your child has gone a set amount of time, like a month, without sucking their thumb, they can get a small reward for their efforts.

Should I worry if my child sucks their thumb?

Thumb sucking is a normal action for many babies and toddlers, usually serving as a way for them to soothe themselves and to help regulate their emotions. Many children quit the habit themselves, naturally stopping the habit as they grow older.

If you feel your child is sucking their thumb for longer than they should, or if you see your child’s dental health suffering, visit We Make Kids Smile near Waldorf and Prince Frederick, Maryland. Our team can perform a complete dental checkup and evaluate your child for any sort of negative effects from thumb sucking. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.