Thumb sucking is normal, and up to 80% of kids suck their thumbs at some point. However, if your child sucks their thumb a lot and this habit continues later into their childhood, this can negatively affect their oral health.

How? In this blog from Limestone Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll take a look at how thumb sucking can harm your child’s oral health, discuss when kids should stop sucking their thumb, and go over some simple tips on how to help your little one stop thumb sucking once and for all.

How Does Thumb Sucking Affect Oral Health In Kids?

When your child sucks their thumb, they're putting a lot of pressure on their teeth, jawbone, and the roof of their mouth. This isn’t a big deal if they do it every once in a while. But if your child sucks their thumb continuously, this can lead to issues in oral development.

The pressure of thumb sucking can alter the way that your child’s teeth erupt, change the structures of their palate, and affect their jaw growth. In turn, this can cause issues like overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, and other such problems. 

This may require them to have orthodontic treatment in the future. But the good news is that this is completely preventable. If you take steps to stop your child’s thumb sucking habit, you can avoid these negative oral health effects completely.

When Should My Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb?

Most kids stop sucking their thumb when they're about 3-4 years old. If your child sucks their thumb occasionally before this age, you don’t have anything to worry about. Chances are, they’ll quit on their own.

But if your child is four years old or older and continues to suck their thumb frequently and for long periods of time, you should be concerned and should take steps to help them quit thumb sucking. By the age of four, all of your child’s baby teeth will have emerged, and the constant pressure of thumb sucking could begin to affect the growth of their teeth and mouth.

Our Top Tips For Breaking Thumb Sucking Habits In Children

If your child is four or older and regularly sucks their thumb, there are some steps you can take to help them reduce thumb sucking and eventually kick the habit. Here are a few suggestions:

• Help them manage stress – Thumb sucking is often a stress reaction in older kids. Think about ways that you can help your child manage stress, and find other ways to soothe them when they're stressed, bored, or anxious.
• Avoid negative reinforcement – Don’t punish your child for thumb sucking. Negative reinforcement may make them feel more stressed, and could actually lead to more thumb sucking.
• ‍Create a reward system – Instead of negative reinforcement, consider a reward system. For example, if your child doesn’t suck their thumb for a week, you could take them out to lunch, or if they don’t suck their thumb for a month, they could get a new toy.
• Ask their dentist for help – Pediatric dentists like Dr. Lindsey Rodriguez have years of experience helping parents deal with their children’s thumb sucking habits. She can discuss other strategies and steps you can take to correct this issue and protect your child’s oral health.

Need A Pediatric Dentist In Athens? Come To Limestone Pediatric Dentistry Today!

Whether your child struggles with thumb sucking or you just want to schedule a checkup to make sure their mouth is healthy, Dr. Lindsey and the team at Limestone Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. We love treating kids of all ages, and helping them learn about the importance of dental care. 

We’re always accepting new patients in Athens, AL. Whether you’re new to the area or you’re just looking for a new Athens pediatric dentist, Dr. Lindsey is here for your family. Contact us online or give us a call at (256) 434-5667 to schedule a consultation right away.