Thumb Sucking - When It Can Cause a Problem & How to Help Your Child Stop

Thumb sucking is perfectly natural and nothing to be concerned about in babies and young toddlers. Thumb sucking is a natural instinct in infants during the first several months after they are born, and in many cases this sucking instinct is done while they are still in the womb. Babies also tend to suck on other fingers as well as items like clothing, blankets, and pacifiers.

Thumb sucking typically decreases shortly after they reach the age of six months however, in many cases babies continue to suck their thumb to comfort or soothe themselves when they are hungry, bored, sleepy, or feel any type of anxiety.

In some cases this becomes a habit which lasts into the toddler years and ceases in most children between the ages of three and six years old.

Potential Problems which can occur with Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking prior to four years of age generally can be ignored as this behavior typically goes away on its own. However, between the ages of four and five years continuous and frequent thumb sucking can be problematic as it may cause dental issues and speech impediments.

Intense thumb sucking after the age of four can cause the teeth to become improperly aligned or "malocclusion" resulting in the teeth pushing outward and the upper palate or "roof" of the mouth can potentially become malformed to the point where they will need dental care to correct the problem. However, typically these conditions go away once thumb sucking ceases.

In some instances habitual and intense thumb sucking can cause problems with speech which will effect how the child pronounces certain letters such as Ds and Ts. They may also develop a lisp or they may thrust out their tongue when speaking.

There are some cases in which a child who continues to suck their thumb after five years of age may be experiencing some emotional problems such as anxiety. However, this is considered to be rare but a child with this type of problem should be evaluated by his or her pediatrician.

Treatments which can be used when Thumb Sucking is causing a Problem

There are ways in which you can help your child when thumb sucking is becoming a problem due to potential dental issues, or your child is asking for help to stop due to shame or embarrassment by his or her piers.

One of the ways you can attempt to do this is by putting a glove over your child's hand or covering the thumb with a bandage or adhesive tape however, you should be sure that your child understands that they are not being punished and that this method is only to deter them from sucking their thumb.

It can also helpful to praise and reward your child when he or she goes an extended period of time without sucking their thumb by either marking a star calendar or rewarding them with their favorite treat or activity. 

There are also non-toxic nail polishes available specifically made to deter thumb sucking or nail biting which when applied produces  a very bitter taste when the fingers come in contact with the mouth. This polish best works when used consistently and applied at times such as when your child wakes up, when they are seen sucking their thumb, and right before bed.