Thumb Sucking: Help Your Child in Breaking the Habit

Thumb sucking is a common habit among babies, toddlers and even children. Some babies start their thumb sucking practice right from the womb. Watching your baby sucking thumb in the ultrasound must have been adorable but it can be worrying when they continue it on the other side too. Gradually, babies begin to suck objects, pacifiers, toys, and fingers too. This thumb sucking habit may soothe them when their teeth are erupting but it can end up mispositioning the teeth and cause dental problems.

In this article, we will discuss the causes of thumb sucking in children, how long does the thumb sucking habit last, thumb sucking treatment and how to stop thumb sucking in your child.

What causes some kids to suck their thumbs?

Thumb sucking is a natural instinct for babies that they begin practicing even before birth. Sucking their thumb or fingers may also have a calming effect on your little one. Some babies may make a habit of thumb sucking because it makes them feel secure and sleepy. Another possible explanation for thumb sucking could be their accessibility. Because they’re right on your baby’s hands, he/she may put them in their mouth frequently.

How long does thumb sucking generally last?

Most children stop sucking their thumb by the time they are 6 or 7 months old. Other times, kids who have stopped sucking their thumb previously may start doing it again, especially if they are stressed. But generally, kids leave this thumb sucking habit between the ages of 2 and 4.

When should I step in?

Thumb sucking isn’t a cause of concern until your child’s permanent teeth begin to develop. At this stage, thumb sucking can affect the palate (roof of the mouth) or the teeth alignment. This risk of dental problems depends on how long, how often and how intensely your child sucks on their thumb.

If your child has developed a habit of thumb sucking, you should address it before they turn 3. If your intervention doesn’t yield any results, your child may require medical intervention. Children who continue to suck their thumb even after turning 5 have limited treatment options.

How can I help my kid quit sucking his thumb?

Most kids stop thumb-sucking by the age of 4, but few may not. You can adopt the following practices to help your kid quit the thumb sucking habit:

1. Identify Triggers

Most kids suck their fingers when they are hungry, stressed, watching television, or about to sleep. So, try to identify what triggers your child to suck their thumb and address the cause. For example, a baby may suck his/her thumb when hungry. Feeding them at the right time may prevent them from thumb sucking.

2. Don’t Force

Pressurizing your kid to stop thumb sucking might not work. Instead, they may continue to do it more than before. A gentle approach and regular practices work well in stopping this habit.

3. Distract

Kids find thumb sucking a natural soothing technique. Try to replace this feeling with other engaging activities. Find your kid's best toy or activity to divert him/her from this habit.   

4. Offer Rewards

Instead of scolding or criticizing your child to quit their thumb sucking habit, offer them small rewards when they don’t suck their thumb. Set small, attainable goals like no thumb sucking during TV time and reward them with an extra bedtime story or walk to the park if they’re successful.

5. Gentle Reminders

If your child sucks their thumb mindlessly instead of trying to get attention or because of an underlying cause, gently remind them to stop. Frequent reminders and sticky notes might work to break your child’s thumb sucking habit.

Can the dentist assist you?

In case, a talk from mom and dad and the above practices reaps no result, you can take your child to the dentist. A chat with the dentist about why it’s important to quit thumb sucking habit might prove to be more effective.

Some doctors may also recommend covering your child’s hands with mittens at night or covering the thumbnail with a bitter substance.

What happens if nothing works?

For some children, quitting thumb sucking habit might be incredibly hard. The best way to go about this not pressurizing your child or criticizing them as it might further delay the process. Try not to worry and be gentle and consistent with the practices that help stop thumb sucking.