Reviewed by Dr. Chau McGovern DDS |
Reading Time: Three Minutes
Thumb sucking is a common self-soothing habit in infants and young children. In many cases, it resolves on its own without causing harm. However, when the habit continues beyond early childhood, it can begin to affect dental development and jaw growth.
Table of Contents
How to Stop Thumb Sucking
In young children, thumb sucking is best addressed using gradual, positive approaches. Punishment or forced removal of the habit often increases anxiety and makes the behavior harder to stop.
Effective strategies parents can try include:
- Positive reinforcement: Praise or reward your child for time spent without thumb sucking, especially during challenging moments like bedtime.
- Gentle reminders: Calmly remind your child when they are thumb sucking, rather than calling attention to it publicly or emotionally.
- Identify triggers: Thumb sucking often increases during stress, fatigue, or boredom. Addressing the underlying cause can reduce the habit naturally.
- Set small goals: Focus on limiting the habit to certain times, such as bedtime only, before working toward full cessation.
- Consistency: All caregivers should respond to the habit in the same way to avoid confusion.
- Mavala stop: Also known as bitter nail polish, applying this on your child’s nails can deter your child from thumbsucking. Recommended for age 3 years and older
- Thumb or arm guard: This is most successful on a compliant child who is ready to stop their habit. Please exercise caution with use and read directions carefully.
Most children are more successful when they feel supported rather than pressured.
How Thumb Sucking Affects Dental Development
Occasional thumb sucking in toddlers rarely causes long-term issues. Persistent habits after early childhood are more likely to interfere with oral development.
Prolonged thumb sucking can contribute to:
- Changes in tooth alignment, including front teeth that tilt outward
- An open bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly
- A crossbite, where the bottom teeth overlap the upper teeth
- Narrowing of the upper jaw
- Speech development concerns related to bite changes
The risk increases when thumb sucking continues beyond age 4–5, occurs frequently throughout the day, or involves strong pressure against the teeth and palate. Early evaluation helps determine whether intervention is needed.
How a Pediatric Dentist Can Help
A pediatric dentist evaluates thumb sucking based on your child’s age, growth, and overall dental development. Not every child needs treatment, but professional guidance can be helpful when the habit persists.
During a visit, we may:
- Assess tooth position, bite development, and jaw growth
- Discuss habit patterns and contributing factors
- Provide age-appropriate strategies to encourage stopping
- Monitor changes over time to determine if intervention is needed
In some cases, a pediatric dentist may recommend an appliance such as a tongue crib. This appliance is fabricated in a lab and is used to help discourage thumb sucking when other approaches have not been successful, and changes in dental development are noted. These are considered only when appropriate and selected based on the child’s individual needs, typically after the eruption of the 1st permanent molars
Gentle Pediatric Dental Care in Southwest Ranches, FL
If your child continues to suck their thumb and you are concerned about dental development, a pediatric dental evaluation can provide guidance. At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, we take a gentle, child-centered approach to addressing oral habits and supporting healthy dental development.
To schedule an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212 or visit us at 15761 Sheridan Street, Suite A, Southwest Ranches, FL.
FAQs
At what age should thumb sucking stop?
Thumb sucking should ideally stop by age 2-3. Continued habits beyond age 4 are more likely to affect dental development and should be evaluated.
Do dentists recommend using thumb guards?
Yes, they can be used and they work best on children who are motivated to stop their habit. Please exercise caution with use and read directions carefully.
What appliances stop thumb sucking?
Habit-breaking appliances are small, custom dental devices used when thumb sucking starts to affect dental development. They make the habit less comfortable without causing pain.
