Thumb sucking Trouble? Helpful Tips to Avoid Crooked Teeth

Thumb sucking is a normal part of life for many children. When our kids suck their thumbs (or fingers, pacifiers, etc), it can help comfort them when they feel insecure, and it also helps them explore and learn about the world around them. Many young children find that sucking their thumbs can soothe them and help them fall asleep at night.

How Thumb Sucking Affects Children’s Teeth

Thumb sucking can cause multiple problems with a child’s oral development, like teeth alignment and palate growth. The longer and harder a child sucks their thumb, the more problems they may face. 

Although pacifiers can also affect your child’s teeth in the same way thumb sucking does, breaking the habit of sucking on a pacifier may be much easier. 

A primary factor that determines if your child will develop dental issues because of thumb sucking is how hard (or intense) they are sucking on their thumb.  If your child places their thumb in their mouth without sucking on it, their chances of developing dental problems are less likely than if they are actively sucking their thumb. 

When Will My Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb? 

Normally, children will stop sucking their thumbs when their front two permanent teeth are ready to come in, or between the ages of two and four years old. If you notice differences in your child’s baby (primary) teeth or if you are worried about your child sucking their thumb, don’t hesitate to contact us! We are accepting new patients, so whether you are an existing patient or if you are looking for a new dental provider, Bayside Kids Dental would love to sit down with you and discuss the options that may be available for you and your child.

What Can I Do to Help My Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb?

There are a few different things you can do to help your child to break the habit of sucking their thumb. Some strategies include: 

• Give praise to your child when they don’t suck their thumb
• Often, children suck their thumbs when they feel insecure or need comfort. Try to correct the primary cause of their anxiety and comfort them when needed.
• For older children, let them help in deciding how to stop sucking their thumb.
• Your dental provider can help and encourage your child while also explaining the negative things that could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking their thumb.

Thumb sucking can be a difficult habit to break in children of different ages. If the tips above are unsuccessful, help remind your child of their habit by putting a bandage over the thumb they suck on.  If you have questions, or need additional suggestions, contact Bayside Kids Dental for an appointment today!