Thumb Sucking

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 thumb sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep.

Thumb sucking 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 thumb sucking by age two.  We can show you some physical, spiritual, and behavioral pointers that will help your child stop this habit.  Prevention is always the best treatment.  Prolonged thumb sucking can produce dental and facial damage that is difficult and possibly impossible to fully correct.  A pacifier is usually best because it is much easier to throw away at one year of age.       

Pacifiers are the best substitute for thumb sucking.  They can adversely affect the teeth essentially the same as sucking the thumb or fingers, but the pacifier can be thrown away..This should be done at their one year birthday.