How to prevent prolonged thumb sucking

  • Published
  • By Dr. (Capt) Kelly Ramey
  • 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron dental clinic
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Coinciding with the Department of Defense designation of April as Month of the Military Child, the 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron dental clinic wants to ensure that protecting a military child's smile is highlighted along with the important role the children play in the Armed Forces community.

In their early years, it is common for many children to suck on their thumbs, fingers and pacifiers.

With a number of theories regarding the habit, parents may wonder whether thumb sucking is harmful, at what age a child should stop and what happens if a child does not stop.

Sucking is a natural reflex. In fact, babies often begin sucking on their thumbs and finger prior to birth.

Placing a finger or thumb in their mouth provides children a sense of security in times of anxiety such as when they are separated from their parents. This habit is also relaxing, which is why children often suck in the evenings or when tired.

Typically, most children stop thumb sucking between the ages of 2 and 4 years, as they become more active.

However, if children are still sucking when their permanent front teeth begin to erupt it may interfere with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of teeth.

The severity of these problems is determined by the intensity and duration of the sucking habit. For example, children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouth experience less problems compared to children who vigorously suck their thumbs.

To help children discontinue prolonged sucking, parents should reward the child for not sucking on their thumbs versus punishing them. Since children suck their thumbs when feeling insecure, focusing on correcting the cause of the anxiety is important to alleviate the habit.

If the sucking persists or changes are seen in the child's teeth, parents should consult a dentist.

For more information on children's dental health topics visit the information table at the front entrance of the 22nd Medical Group clinic or visit the American Dental Association Web site at www.ada.org.

Editor's note: This article consists of information pulled from the American Dental Association Web site at www.ada.org.