BLOG

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex.

Infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, and other objects to make them feel secure, comforted, or happy since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may also induce sleep.

However, thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely infants or a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.

Ideally, children should cease this kind of habit by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Typically, children stop between the ages of two and four as peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.

Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. Typically, the use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier, consult your dentist.

Your dentist can assist you, as needed, to encourage your child to stop sucking. They can explain what could happen to their teeth if they continue with this habit.

4Kids.com has a huge FREE online resource guide for families with kids in a city near you. You can find Events, Deals, Things To Do, Schools & Kids Activities, Arts, Music, Birthday Parties, SummerCamps, Child Care, Classes, Field Trips, HealthProviders, Kids Eat Free venues, Places To Go, Sports, and resources for Special Needs children.

To find out more about health resources, visit the Child Care, Orthodontics, Dentist, or Pediatrician category. You can also read more of the Health, Parenting, or Special Needs blog posts.