Many children give up the habit before they start school, but with persistent thumb-suckers intervention may become necessary. Thumb-sucking is a natural reflex that calms and soothes a baby or child and helps them fall asleep. Even in the womb, foetuses suck their thumbs to prepare for breastfeeding. Most children drop the habit by themselves as they get older and become better at processing their emotions. In some children, however, the need for comfort is not met, and they carry on sucking a thumb or a dummy. Most paediatricians and dentists recommend that your child stop between the ages of two and four. In most cases thumb-sucking is not a problem, but if the habit persists or becomes constant or forceful, professional help may be advised.
Can thumb-sucking do harm?
In a healthy bite there is a small overlap between the upper and lower front teeth. Thumb-sucking or using a dummy can mean these teeth do not erupt fully, or that they protrude, producing an open bite — a gap between the upper and lower teeth even when the mouth is closed. An open bite can lead to speech problems, delayed speech and difficulty chewing. If the habit is not corrected early enough, orthodontic or other dental treatment may be needed to put right the problems that arise.
Helping your child
In most cases the best strategy is to ignore the behaviour. If your child is older than four, or if signs of a shifting bite or compulsive behaviour appear, raise it at your child’s next visit. Here are some ways to help your child curb the habit at home:
- Praise your child when they have not sucked their thumb or dummy.
- If you notice that your child sucks their thumb when anxious, talk to them and ask calmly why they feel worried or upset.
- Reward your child with a small prize when they have gone a certain length of time without sucking.
- Make a game of it. Draw up a chart and mark each day with a gold star, so that they can see their progress as motivation.
- Sometimes, despite your best efforts, professional help is needed to break the cycle. There are bitter-tasting ointments and habit-deterrent appliances, and for the most severe cases a visit to a therapist or psychologist can sometimes get to the root of the problem.
Whichever approach you choose, remember to encourage your child through positive reinforcement. Criticising, nagging or telling a child off for thumb-sucking can make the problem worse and frighten them further. Provide a loving, nurturing atmosphere and reassure your child that they are safe and loved.
