Thumbsucking, Finger Sucking, and Pacifier Use

Like many parents, you may be concerned about your child's thumbsucking, finger sucking, or pacifier use. You may wonder if it's harmful, at what age it should stop, or what could happen if your child does not stop. Here is information that can help put your concerns in perspective and answer some of your questions.

Why do children suck on things?

Sucking is one of a baby's natural reflexes, and can occur even before birth. As newborns get older, sucking serves many purposes. Infants and young children may suck on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects because it makes them feel secure and happy, and helps them learn about their world.

Young children also may suck to soothe themselves. Placing a finger or thumb in their mouth provides a sense of security at difficult periods such as after a scolding or when being separated from their parents. Since thumbsucking is relaxing, it may help induce sleep. For this reason, young children often suck in the evenings or at other times when they are tired.

If you offer your baby a pacifier, use a clean one. Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey before giving it to a baby. Prolonged use of pacifiers can harm the teeth just like prolonged thumb sucking, but it often is easier to wean a child from a pacifier than a thumb.

Can problems result from prolonged thumbsucking and finger sucking?

Yes, but not until the permanent front teeth come in (beginning about age six). After that, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It also can cause changes in the roof of the mouth.

The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. When the thumb is removed from the mouths of active thumbsuckers, a "popping" sound often is heard. Some aggressive thumbsuckers may cause problems with their baby (primary) teeth. If you notice changes in your child's primary teeth, consult your dentist.

Is sucking a pacifier less harmful?

Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. Pacifier use often is an easier habit to break, however.

When should thumbsucking stop?

Most children stop on their own between the ages of two and four years. Often, sucking gradually lessens during this period as children spend more of their waking hours exploring their surroundings. Peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.

Since the front teeth usually begin to erupt around age six, children should have ceased thumbsucking by then.

How can I help my child break the habit?

Excessive pressure can do more harm than good. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Instead of scolding your child for sucking, offer praise for not sucking.
• Remember that children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or seeking comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety instead of the thumbsucking, and comfort your child.
• Reward children when they avoid sucking during difficult periods, such as being separated from their parents.
• If your child is older, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping.
• Your dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen to teeth if they do not stop.

If these approaches do not work, remind your child of the habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock over the hand at night. Your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe either the use of a mouth appliance or a bitter medication to coat the thumb.