Understanding the Impact of Thumb Sucking and How to Break the Habit

Thumb sucking is one of the most universal behaviors among babies. While some babies form the behavior within weeks after birth, others start it even before they are born—and the proof is in those utero ultrasounds. While thumb sucking is normal, thumb sucking can become a concern as children grow older.

For comprehensive pediatric dental care in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and surrounding areas, Simply Kids Dental is your trusted destination. Whether you have questions about thumb sucking or other pediatric dental concerns, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sean Vostatek for expert care and advice.

Why do babies suck their thumbs?

Babies are born with several reflexes necessary for survival. One of those reflexes is the sucking reflex, which makes the baby suckle anything that touches the roof of the mouth, may it be a human nipple or bottle. The sucking reflex is important because it helps your baby feed effectively during the early months of life.

Additionally, sucking serves another purpose—it provides comfort. Whether it’s a nipple, pacifier, thumb, or any other object, sucking can be soothing for babies. Babies suck things to feel good, self-soothe, or even fall asleep. Many babies instinctively suck their thumb as a way to calm themselves when they feel upset or irritable, which can be a welcome reprieve for many parents.

What are the implications of thumb-sucking?

Naturally, all habits eventually need to be phased out. Dentists typically advise limiting thumb sucking and pacifier use by the age of 3. Continued thumb sucking beyond this age can lead to various oral health concerns, the severity of which depends on the duration and intensity of the habit.

If thumb sucking persists until ages 5 or 6, it may start affecting the eruption and alignment of permanent teeth, which typically begin to emerge around this time.

 Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to several dental issues:

  • Teeth misalignment: The pressure from thumb sucking can cause the front teeth (incisors) to shift out of their ideal alignment.
  • Open bite: Continued thumb sucking may prevent the upper and lower teeth from meeting properly when the mouth is closed, resulting in an open bite. This gap between the upper and lower front teeth can affect chewing and speech.
  • Maxillary constriction: Persistent thumb sucking can exert internal pressures that narrow the upper jaw’s hard palate. This can alter the positioning of the teeth and tongue, potentially leading to conditions like mouth breathing and sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea.

Aside from dental issues, thumb sucking can also affect speech development, potentially causing delays or difficulties in articulating words clearly. Considering the various problems this seemingly harmless oral habit can create, it’s important to take steps to help your child break the habit at the appropriate time.

How do you break the thumb-sucking habit?

However, some may continue until they are older, often stopping due to peer pressure at school. But why wait until this point when you’re aware of the consequences of prolonged thumb-sucking? Ideally, your child should cease thumb or finger sucking by ages 3-4. If they haven’t, here are some tips to help break the habit:

  • Identify Triggers: Determine what triggers the thumb sucking, such as anxiety, anger, or boredom, to develop effective long-term solutions.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Encourage your child with small rewards for not sucking their thumb, promoting positive behavior.
  • Raise Awareness: Use aids such as band-aids or socks on the thumb, particularly at night, to serve as gentle reminders to avoid sucking.  Help your child understand the dangers of thumb sucking, such as dental issues or speech delays, to increase their self-awareness.  
  • Find Replacements or Distractions: Offer alternatives like a stuffed animal for comfort during nighttime or other distractions to redirect their focus away from thumb sucking.

Does your child need help with thumb-sucking?

It’s important to understand that thumb sucking is a common and natural behavior in children. If your child struggles to stop this habit, it’s crucial to be patient, supportive, and maintain open communication. Remember, breaking the habit is a process, and with time and encouragement, they will overcome it.

If you need assistance with your child’s thumb sucking, feel free to call (719) 249-2030 to learn more about Simply Kids Dental’s 21 Day Success Program.