What’s the risk when your child sucks their thumb?
As parents, we all want the best for our children, so it’s only natural to feel concerned about certain habits—especially one as common as thumb-sucking. You may have noticed your little one turning to their thumb for comfort during stressful moments or to help them drift off to sleep. While it’s perfectly normal for babies and young children to soothe themselves this way, we are right to wonder whether this innocent habit could harm their oral health. Let’s explore the facts and find answers together.
Why do children suck their thumbs?
Thumb-sucking is a natural and instinctive reflex that begins in infancy—some babies even start this habit while still in the womb! It’s a soothing mechanism that helps young children feel secure, self-comfort during times of stress or fatigue, and even fall asleep more easily.
For most children, thumb-sucking is a harmless phase that they naturally outgrow between the ages of 2 and 4 as they develop other ways to self-soothe. However, if the habit continues beyond these early years, especially with frequent or vigorous thumb-sucking, it may begin to affect their oral health and dental development.
When does thumb-sucking become a concern?
For most infants and toddlers, thumb-sucking is a normal, harmless behaviour. However, it can become a concern if:
- The habit continues past age 4 or 5, when permanent teeth begin to emerge.
- The sucking is vigorous, applying excessive pressure on the teeth and jaw.
- The thumb, dummy, or pacifier is consistently positioned in a way that pushes teeth out of alignment.
If these factors are present, prolonged thumb-sucking may lead to:
1. Changes in bite alignment: The constant pressure can cause the upper front teeth to stick out (overbite) or result in an open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed.
2. Palate development issues: The repetitive pressure of the thumb can reshape the roof of the mouth (palate), causing it to become narrow and high, which may lead to long-term orthodontic complications, as well as affect speech development and breathing.
3. Increased risk of tooth decay: If the thumb is frequently dirty, it can introduce bacteria into the mouth, leading to tooth decay.
4. Speech problems: Thumb-sucking can affect tongue placement, potentially contributing to speech challenges such as a lisp or difficulty with certain sounds.
These issues are more likely to develop when the habit is persistent or forceful, so early intervention can help prevent long-term complications.
How to know if thumb-sucking is affecting your child’s teeth
Look for these signs that thumb-sucking may be affecting your child’s dental development:
- Changes in the alignment of their teeth or jaw.
- Difficulty closing their lips completely.
- Speech irregularities.
- Prolonged redness or calluses on the thumb.
Your child’s dentist can evaluate their teeth and jaw to determine whether the habit is causing harm.
What do dental professionals recommend?
Research shows that most children naturally outgrow thumb-sucking without the need for intervention. However, if the habit persists beyond age 4, especially as permanent teeth begin to emerge, it can increase the risk of dental and orthodontic issues. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends monitoring thumb-sucking as children approach age 4 and consulting a dentist if the behaviour continues.
Early dental visits are essential for identifying potential problems and guiding healthy habits. The ADA advises parents to schedule their child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth emerges—not when they start school, as many parents might assume. These early checkups ensure proper dental development and provide an opportunity for dentists to address habits like thumb-sucking before they lead to long-term complications.
Consult your child’s dentist about thumbsucking
If you’re worried about how thumb-sucking might affect your child’s teeth, don’t hesitate to consult your child’s dentist. They can:
- Assess whether the habit is impacting your child’s oral health.
- Provide personalised advice for your child’s specific situation.
- Offer tools or interventions if needed.
How to gently help your child stop thumb-sucking
Helping your child stop thumb-sucking requires patience, understanding, and a positive approach. Here are some effective strategies to support them:
Positive reinforcement: Celebrate small victories! Praise your child whenever they avoid thumb-sucking, and consider using a reward chart with fun incentives to motivate them. Positive feedback helps build confidence and encourages change.
Identify triggers: Observe when your child is most likely to suck their thumb—perhaps when they’re tired, anxious, or bored. Once you’ve identified these triggers, offer comforting alternatives like a favourite stuffed animal, blanket, or even a calming hug.
Set gentle limits: Introduce small, manageable boundaries, such as “no thumb-sucking during storytime” or “only at bedtime.” Gradually expand these limits until the habit is completely phased out.
Provide distractions: Keep your child’s hands busy with engaging activities, such as colouring, playing with puzzles, or building blocks. Keeping their hands occupied can reduce the urge to suck their thumb.
Use gentle reminders: For unconscious thumb-sucking, like during sleep, try a soft glove, bandage, or thumb guard to serve as a gentle, non-punitive reminder. Be sure to explain the purpose kindly, so your child feels supported rather than punished.
Remember, breaking the habit takes time and effort, and every child progresses at their own pace. Offer plenty of encouragement and reassurance along the way to make the process easier for both of you.
Set good habits early for lifelong oral health
Well done on taking the initiative to learn about building your child’s excellent oral health habits—and that’s something you should be proud of. While most children outgrow thumb-sucking on their own or gradually do so with a little guidance, if you’re feeling unsure or need extra support, don’t hesitate to consult your child’s dentist. They’re your trusted partner in fostering healthy oral habits and ensuring your child’s dental development stays on track.
It takes a team to build the best foundation for a lifetime of strong teeth, healthy smiles, and confidence. Your dentist is here to guide you, because a little diligence now can make a lifetime of difference for your little one’s oral health.
