When my now 20-year-old neighbor’s son was sucking his thumb some 17 years ago, it made her nervous because of the impact it had on her son’s thumb and teeth.
There’s no harm for children to suck their thumbs until they reach about 5 years old. If they haven’t naturally stopped by then, you can consider helping them quit the habit as they approach that age. Continue reading to understand why babies and kids suck their thumbs, when this habit typically begins, and how to assist them in quitting when the time comes. (1)
If you glance into your child’s school or daycare, you might spot some kids sucking their thumbs. This is a common behavior among babies and young children, and typically, they stop before they enter elementary school. However, for some children, breaking this habit can be challenging. Approximately one in every five kids continues to suck their thumbs even after turning five years old, which can affect the growth of their permanent teeth.
So, what should you do if your child is a thumb-sucker? The approach can vary from one child to another, but there are a few strategies you can attempt to ensure your child maintains a healthy smile as they grow up. Before delving into those strategies, it’s crucial to grasp why kids suck their thumbs and the potential impact on their teeth. (2)
Why do Babies and Children Suck Their Thumbs?
As a parent of a baby, you’re probably well-acquainted with their natural inclination to suck on objects. Sucking is their way of seeking nourishment, whether it’s through breastfeeding or a bottle. Babies often turn to pacifiers or other items to soothe themselves when they’re not feeding.
As children grow, some may transition from using pacifiers to sucking their thumbs as a form of self-comfort. Approximately 75% of babies suck their thumbs or fingers during their first year. They do this to self-soothe, but occasionally, it may occur out of boredom or when they’re getting tired. You might notice your child engaging in other activities while thumb-sucking, such as clutching a blanket or playing with their hair.
Parents may sometimes become concerned when their child sucks their thumb excessively and wonder when it’s the right time for their child to quit this habit. While your child’s doctor can provide specific guidance, this article offers some tips if you’d like to help your child stop thumb-sucking on your own. Keep reading for more information. (3)
When Do Infants Begin Thumb Sucking and When Do They Quit?
Thumb-sucking often begins at a very young age, with some infants starting to suck their fingers and thumbs even before birth. Additionally, some newborns begin sucking their thumbs immediately after birth. However, not all young children continue this habit. Once your child starts, it can quickly become a routine, especially since it provides them with comfort. It’s essential to remember that if your baby consistently sucks their thumb, it’s a common behavior, and all babies develop habits.
The majority of children naturally outgrow this tendency. In fact, more than half of them stop sucking their thumbs when they are 6 or 7 months old. Some children naturally cease thumb-sucking a bit later, typically between the ages of 2 and 4 years old. In certain situations, such as when your child is feeling particularly vulnerable or stressed, they might occasionally suck their thumb until they reach about 8 years old. (1)
Why is Thumb Sucking a Problem?
Parents who worry about their child sucking their thumb a lot might hear different stories about why it’s not good. But there are real reasons to be careful about it, especially when it comes to how their mouth grows.
When kids keep sucking their thumb past around age 5, it can make their teeth not fit together right. This might mean that their teeth don’t line up like they should, and it can even make their front teeth stick out too much. Sometimes, it makes it hard to say certain sounds clearly, like “S” or other sounds that use the tip of the tongue. And it can cause other problems in their mouth too. Fixing these mouth problems is not just about looks; it’s important for their health.(3)
Also, sucking the thumb a lot can sometimes make the skin around their fingernails sore or even get infected. This can become a big problem because there are many germs in the mouth, and when they suck their thumb, those germs can get on their hand a lot. So, it’s something to watch out for.(3)
Is Using Pacifiers Safe for Babies?
Around the time your baby is about 6 months old, you might see them starting to suck their thumb. That’s okay for now, but it’s best if they stop around the time they turn 4 years old. Thumb sucking for a long time can cause problems with their teeth and even change the way their face looks when they grow up.(3)
Some parents give their babies pacifiers to help them stop sucking their thumb between meals. But remember, a pacifier shouldn’t replace meals or stop your baby from eating. Your baby sucks on the pacifier or thumb to feel better, and that’s okay. It’s a way for them to calm down and for you to get a little break.
If your baby sucks their thumb a lot during nap time, you can offer them a pacifier instead. Sometimes, they might get upset if they lose the pacifier while sleeping because they can’t put it back themselves. That’s why it’s important to use safe pacifiers. Don’t use ones with strings or attach them to the crib, as these can be dangerous.
You can start taking away the pacifier when your child is around 2 years old, usually when they have all their baby teeth.
How to Help Your Baby or Child Quit Thumb-Sucking
No need to worry if babies suck their thumbs; it’s okay. But if your child is almost 5 years old or older and still sucks their thumb, you can work together to change this habit.
Remember, it won’t change quickly, and you need to be patient with your child. First, make sure your child is feeling happy. Stress or feeling upset can make it harder for them to stop sucking their thumb because it makes them feel better.
If you know something is making your child stressed, try to fix that before helping them stop sucking their thumb. For example, if you’re moving to a new house or a new sibling is coming, it might be better to wait until things are calmer.
Here are Some Steps to Stop Thumb Sucking
- Offer gentle reminders: Sometimes, your child might not even know they’re sucking their thumb. Kindly tell them they’re doing it and explain why it’s not a good habit. Be nice and comforting, and don’t scold or be mean.
- Identify triggers: Try to figure out what makes your child suck their thumb. Is it because they’re worried, sad, or at a specific time or place? If you’re not sure, talk to your child and try to avoid those things that make them do it. For example, if they suck their thumb before bedtime, make a bedtime routine like taking a bath or reading a story to help them feel calm.
- Positive reinforcement: Set small goals to help your child, like not sucking their thumb for an hour before bedtime, and then make it longer. When they do it, give them praise, say nice things, or maybe a little reward.
- Consider aversive measures as a last resort: If your child keeps sucking their thumb even when you try everything else, talk to their doctor for help. The doctor might suggest things like putting a bitter taste on their thumb or using a bandage or special thumb cover to stop them from doing it.
- Talk to the dentist: If your child can’t stop, talk to their dentist. They can give you special advice on how to keep their teeth and mouth healthy.
Many babies suck their thumbs, and that’s okay! It makes them feel better. Usually, kids stop sucking their thumbs when they are around 4 years old, sometimes even earlier.
Even if your child keeps sucking their thumb a little bit when they are 5, it’s usually not a big problem for their teeth.
But if your child keeps sucking their thumb a lot after they turn 5, you can help them stop. You can remind them gently, give them rewards for not sucking their thumb, and try to make things less stressful for them.
You need to be patient and keep doing these things regularly. If it’s really hard to stop, you can ask a doctor or dentist for help.
References:
(1) www.pampers.com
