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My baby/toddler sucks his thumb. Should I be worried?
No. Thumb or finger sucking is a very common childhood habit. It is a natural reflex in babies and young children. Babies are hard-wired to suck on things for comfort and pleasure, even when they're not hungry. And best of all, digit sucking means your baby can soothe himself to sleep – happy days for new parents!
Most children grow out of digit sucking between two and four years of age. The effects of thumb sucking are usually reversible up until the age of six or seven, because children still have their baby teeth. If thumb/finger sucking occurs beyond the age of six or seven, dental problems may arise including:
• Buck teeth – excessive sucking can push the front teeth out of alignment, causing teeth to protrude. This can alter the shape of the face and lead to an open bite.
• A lisp – a child who sucks their fingers and thumbs can push their teeth out of their normal position. This interferes with the correct formation of certain speech sounds resulting in a lisp and imprecise pronunciation (especially of Ts and Ds).
Parents often ask me, ‘What is worse, thumb sucking or the use of a dummy/pacifier?’
The simple answer is that breaking a dummy habit is easier because you can control when and how your child uses a soother.
So How Can You Help Your Child Stop?
If your child is approaching school age positive reinforcement and encouragement combined with a friendly reminder such as a plaster or thumb guard or a glove that is difficult to remove at night. I find it’s important to praise your child when they are not sucking their thumbs rather than scolding them when they are. Progress/sticker charts can work well with young children – when your child goes a whole week without sucking, reward him with a treat. And as most children suck their thumbs when they are tired or bored, keeping their hands busy helps! For the most determined thumb suckers, a visit to the dentist may be needed. Remember that patience is the key, and that a child’s first days without sucking are usually the most difficult.
Dr Runa Mowla-Copley
Orthodontist and author of ‘Charlie’s Thumb’
‘Charlie’s Thumb’ is a wonderfully illustrated book about Charlie who loves sucking his thumb all day and all night. A visit from the Tooth Fairy leads to some rather unusual events which make Charlie think perhaps sucking his thumb isn't such a good idea after all.
Charlie’s Thumb is available online from Amazon.
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