When Will My Child Stop Thumbsucking?

Thumbsucking is a common habit for babies and young children. It can provide comfort and security for them, especially when they are feeling stressed or anxious. While thumbsucking is generally harmless, it can sometimes cause problems with the teeth and jaw. In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of thumbsucking on baby teeth, and offer some tips on how to help your child stop thumbsucking.

Why Children Suck Their Thumbs

Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, which can cause them to put their thumbs or fingers into their mouths — sometimes even before birth. Because thumb sucking makes babies feel secure, some babies might eventually develop a habit of thumb sucking when they’re in need of soothing or going to sleep.

Thumbsucking is a natural reflex for babies and young children. It can be comforting to them, helping your child relax when feeling anxious, stressed or bored. Many children will stop this habit on their own as they get older, but some may continue into toddlerhood and beyond if not addressed by parents.

Effects of Thumbsucking on Baby Teeth

Vigorous thumb sucking can have many effects on the teeth and mouth. That’s because of the repetitive pressure the thumb and sucking places on the teeth, jawbone, and roof of the mouth. It may cause any of the following:

• overbite, where the front teeth protrude out from the jaw and mouth
• other bite issues, such as the bottom teeth tipping inward toward the back of the mouth or an open bite, where the top and bottom teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed
• changes to the shape of the jaw, which can also affect the alignment of the teeth and speech patterns, such as the development of a lisp
• sensitivity of the roof of the mouth

Most of these issues resolve or won’t develop at all if thumb sucking drops off by the time the permanent teeth are in. Children who suck their thumb for a long time and continue sucking their thumb vigorously may be at increased risk for these side effects.

When Will My Child Stop Thumbsucking?

Most children stop thumbsucking by the time they are 4 or 5 years old. Some children may need help to break the habit, especially if it is persistent and vigorous. Here are some tips for helping your child quit:

• Praise them every time they don’t suck their thumb. Positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool in helping your child break this habit.
• Support and encourage them when they try to quit. Let your child know that you are proud of them for making the effort to stop sucking their thumb.
• Redirect their behavior with a favorite toy or activity when they start thumbsucking. Distraction is a great way to get your child’s focus away from sucking their thumb.
• Encourage them to use a comfort object or blanket as an alternative to thumbsucking. A favorite stuffed animal or soft blanket can provide the same soothing effect that thumb sucking does, without having any negative effects on their teeth and mouth.

If your child is still struggling with the habit after trying these tips, talk to your pediatrician for more advice. Thumbsucking can be a harmless habit, but it is important to keep an eye on it and make sure your child isn’t doing it too often or vigorously.

Taking Care of Your Child’s Teeth

Even if your child has stopped thumbsucking, it’s important to keep up with their regular dental care. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day, having regular checkups at the dentist, and helping your children get fluoride treatments when needed. If your child does suffer from the effects of sucking their thumb, such as bite issues, your dentist can help guide you in the best treatment options.

Make an Appointment with Li’l Sunshine Smiles

It’s normal for children to suck their thumbs — and with the right guidance and support from parents, most children will break this habit as they get older. Making sure your child has regular dental checkups is key to making sure their teeth stay healthy and free of any issues caused by thumbsucking. At Li’l Sunshine Smiles, our dental care team is here to help your family with all of your dental needs. Give us a call today to make an appointment!