Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers

Sucking is a natural reflex. Infants and young children often suck on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, and other objects. Non-nutritive sucking may make them feel secure and happy or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep.

Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If your child uses a pacifier, use a clean pacifier - one recommended by your child's doctor or dentist. Never dip the pacifier into any sweet substance. Research shows that children who maintain a pacifier habit beyond age two are more prone to middle ear infections, so it is a good idea to discontinue use of the pacifier by age two.

Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. The intensity and force that a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Children should cease thumb sucking by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.

You can only successfully intervene a thumb habit when the child is ready to stop. Ask your child if he/she wants to stop, and if he/she says "YES" then you can move forward.

A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb sucking:

• Instead of scolding children for thumb sucking, praise them when they are not.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking.
• Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide comfort.
• Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents.

Possible interventions to discuss with the pediatric dentist include:

• Positive reinforcement
• Charts
• Mittens
• Band-aids
• Oral appliances

Please talk to your dentist or hygienist if you have any questions or concerns.

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 percent and 95 percent 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, the answer is no. However, it's important to pay attention to your child's habits, in case his behavior has the potential to affect his oral health.

What is normal thumb sucking behavior?

Most children begin sucking their thumb or finger from a very young age; many 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 his chances of continuing to suck his thumb). If your child is still sucking when his 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 thumb. If he sucks passively, with his thumb gently resting inside his mouth, he is less likely to cause damage. If, on the other hand, he is an aggressive thumb-sucker, placing pressure on his 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 oral health, please give us a call or bring him in for a visit. We can help you assess the situation.

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