Many children suck their thumb, or finger(s) (digit habit) for comfort or in boredom.
How do thumbsucking/digit habits affect teeth and jaws?
- Overbite
- Open bite
- Posterior crossbite
What to do about thumbsucking/digit habits?
There is no magic cure or magic technique that always works to get kids to stop sucking pacifiers or thumbs.
Most kids who suck a pacifier stop by the age of 3 and a half. Most kids who suck fingers or a thumb stop a little later, about 4 and a half years of age.
If a habit persists beyond a time where the parent feels uncomfortable or it’s getting close to the time for permanent teeth to come in (around 5 years old), then you can try the following things:
Gentle reminders are usually the first step as scolding generally makes the situation worse- Get them occupied with other activities or interests
- Ensure to have regular oral checkups
- Monitor for any chewing difficulties
- Encourage regular oral assessments while your child is teething
Gentle reminders are usually the first step as scolding generally makes the situation worseIf you are seeing a general decrease in the amount of sucking, then you are on the right track. Night time-sucking is the last to go, and the most difficult to stop.
For more information about thumbsucking/digit habit treatment, please contact our office.