Thumb Sucking Harmless for Young Children

It's perfectly normal for young children to suck their thumbs, even though some parents fret about it.^1,2 The habit is typically harmless if children do it occasionally, such as while being tucked in at bedtime or in association with a stressful event.¹

When It's a Problem

Most children will stop thumb sucking between ages 2 and 4.^1,2 Older children who chronically suck their thumbs or fingers may need guidance from parents or a dentist to stop the habit.² That's because the chronic sucking habit can cause children's permanent teeth to become crooked.⁴

If you're in doubt, discuss the matter with your dentist or pediatrician.² You may be reassured to learn that if your children are tapering off thumb sucking, there is probably no need for treatment. That's particularly true if they still have baby teeth. Dental problems are usually avoided if the habit stops before the permanent teeth erupt.^1,4

Oftentimes children themselves will want help to stop. It has to do with social acceptance, especially at school.³

How to Break the Habit

If you think your children have a problem, you might want to deal with the habit initially by ignoring the behavior.³ In other words, don't give them attention when they suck their thumbs. Put an obstacle on your children's hands. You might try a sock or a glove.¹

Another idea: Provide rewards for positive behavior. Praise your children whenever you notice that they are not sucking their thumbs.¹ You also might mark a star on a calendar³ when they go without thumb sucking for a day or leave their socks or gloves on all night.¹ Stars could earn an extra story, a trip to the library, or some other reward.

Your dentist or pediatrician can also give you advice about how you can gradually phase out the use of these methods to keep the habit from returning.^1,3 In some cases, use of a device for inside the child's mouth may be recommended to make thumb sucking more uncomfortable.³

¹ “Thumbsucking.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2748.aspx?currentTab=2 Accessed 2010.

² “Thumb, Finger, and Pacifier Habits.” American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/tfphabits.asp Accessed 2010.

³ “Parenting Corner Q&A: Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers.”American Academy of Pediatrics, June 22, 2010. www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Thumbs.htm Accessed 2010.

⁴ “Straight Talk on Braces.” Federal Citizens Information Center, January–February 2005. www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/straight_talk/talk.htm Accessed 2010.