13515 NE 175th Suite B Woodinville, WA 98072 (800) SMILING (800) 764-5464 (425) 483-2442
Dentists: Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD. Erica Yang, DDS.
The large majority of children suck their thumbs or fingers as infants, and most grow out of it by the age of four, without causing any permanent damage to their teeth. If you child continues sucking after permanent teeth erupt, or sucks aggressively, let us know and we can check to see if any problems may arise from the habit.
Get more information, plus tips on helping your child break the habit»
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. In most cases, this is not a cause for worry; however, it's important to pay attention to your child's habits. In this case his/her behavior has the potential to affect his/her oral health.
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 of continued thumb sucking). If your child is still sucking when the permanent teeth start to erupt, it may be time to take action to break the habit.
First, take note of how your child sucks his/her thumb. If he/she sucks passively, with his/her thumb gently resting inside his/her mouth, he/she is less likely to cause damage. If, on the other hand, he/she is an aggressive thumb-sucker, placing pressure on his/her 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/her oral health, please give us a call or bring him/her in for a visit. We can help you assess the situation.
Should you need to help your child end his/her habit, follow these guidelines:
Whatever your method, always remember that your child needs your support and understanding during the process of breaking the thumb-sucking habit.