Thumb sucking habits

How common is this habit and when should it stop? How can we stop the habit?

Finger sucking is a natural reflex that may begin whilst in-utero. Parents should be assured that a sucking habit is considered to be a normal feature of a baby’s or young child’s development. It is however well established that if the habit continues past the age of 5 to 6 years, there is a potential for undesirable movement of teeth. In cases when the sucking habit ceases before the permanent teeth begin to erupt, effects on the dentition are unlikely to be long-term. If however the habit persists into the mixed and permanent dentition, a malocclusion may result like proclined upper incisors, increased overjet, anterior open bite, and posterior crossbite.

It is reported that up to 50% of children may have a sucking habit in infancy, with the percentage dropping to close to 2% by the age of 12 years.

By the age of 5 to 6 years the habit ideally ceases. Many children will gradually stop unaided, especially as they reach school age and out of house activities increase. For a small number of children the habit may persist into their teen years, until they are ready to stop. The way to stop the habit is by gentle discouragement and support from the parents. A second option is the thumb crib appliance that may fitted by your orthodontist to help the child cease the habit.