Along with favorite blankets, teddy bears, and nap time, thumb-sucking can be one of the most comforting aspects of childhood. According to a recent report, between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs, so chances are there's a thumb-sucker (or a former thumb-sucker) in your family. Is this cause for worry?

In most cases, no. However, it's important to pay attention to your child's habits, in case this behavior has the potential to affect his or her oral health.

What Is Normal Thumb-sucking Behavior?

The majority of children suck a thumb or a finger from a very young age; most even start inside the womb. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and it serves an important purpose. Sucking often provides a sense of security and contentment for a young one. It can also be relaxing, which is why many children suck their thumbs as they fall asleep.

According to the American Dental Association, most children stop thumb-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 sucking beyond the preschool years (although studies show that the older a child gets, the lower the chances the habit will continue). If your child is still sucking when the permanent teeth start to erupt, it may be time to take action to break the habit.

What Signs Should I Watch For?

First, take note of how your child sucks his or her thumb. If your child sucks passively, with the thumb gently resting inside the mouth, he or she is less likely to cause damage. If, on the other hand, your child is an aggressive thumb-sucker, placing pressure on the mouth or teeth, the habit may cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. Extended sucking affects both the teeth and the shape of the face and may lead to a need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

If at any time you suspect your child's thumb-sucking may be affecting his or her oral health, please give us a call or come in for a visit. We can help you assess the situation.

How Can I Help My Child Quit Thumb-sucking?

Should you need to help your child end this habit, follow these guidelines:

1. Always be supportive and positive. Instead of punishing your child for thumb-sucking, give praise for not thumb-sucking.
2. Put a band-aid on your child's thumb or a sock over his or her hand at night. Let him or her know that this is not a punishment, just a way to help remember to avoid sucking.
3. Start a progress chart and put a sticker up every day that your child doesn't suck his or her thumb. After a week without sucking, he or she gets to choose a prize (trip to the zoo, new set of blocks, etc.) When your child has filled up a whole month, reward him or her with something great (a ball glove or new video game); by then the habit should be over. Making your child an active participant in treatment will increase his or her willingness to break the habit.
4. If you notice your child sucking when he or she is anxious, work on alleviating the anxiety rather than focusing on the thumb-sucking.
5. Take note of the times your child tends to suck (long car rides, while watching movies) and create diversions during these occasions.
6. Explain clearly what might happen to his or her teeth if the thumb-sucking continues.

Whatever your method, always remember that your child needs your support and understanding during the process of breaking the thumb-sucking habit.

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