Thumb Sucking: Breaking the Habit

Before breathing, before birth, children will suck their thumbs. Sucking is a natural reflex that is practiced and coordinated prenatally (before birth). We have all seen the pictures of fetuses in their mother's wombs with their thumbs in their mouths. After birth, sucking provides baby's first nutrition.

Thumb or finger sucking is a convenience for parents. Children who suck their thumbs are able to comfort themselves in a variety of situations. They may be more independent. Children find their own thumbs easier than pacifiers. Thumbs are always the right size. While a damaged pacifier is dangerous, thumbs never wear out. It's easy to understand why thumb sucking is so prevalent and so hard to quit.

The major dental problem caused by thumb sucking is malocclusion. Teeth, lips and jaws have a natural relationship. Consistent pressure of the thumb or fingers against the teeth alters the normal growth of the teeth and jaws. This force can cause the upper teeth to protrude and the lower teeth to retrude. In addition, the bone that supports the teeth, even the entire lower jaw may be held back in a slower growth pattern. The habit usually stops by the time the child is five years old, and the damage usually reverses itself.

Finger habits are much harder to break than pacifier use. Pacifiers may be taken away or left behind. Fingers are always available. Sometimes, children continue their finger habits until they are older. They may need the security of sucking. The onset of puberty brings a shower of emotions that may increase the difficulty of breaking any soothing habit. Children who continue finger habits past five years old may need some type of intervention.

There are several techniques recommended for the cessation of finger sucking. Most often, children just loose interest, or peer pressure ends it. Parents, who notice a habit lasting past the fourth birthday, may help their children with a system of encouragement or rewards. A day without thumb sucking can be rewarded with praise or a special treat. The final cessation of the habit might deserve a larger reward.