Thumb Sucking

Parents worry if it is normal if their toddler is still sucking their thumb. In fact, it is generally considered normal until a child is 2 ½ years old.

Why do kids suck their thumb?
Thumb sucking often begins in the womb, as a natural reflex. For babies, they learn about their bodies and the world around them through sucking. Everything goes in their mouth. They suck on their fingers, clothing, and toys.
Thumb sucking can also be a comfort mechanism for young children. It can induce a child to sleep and it can be a signal to parents that their child is tired.

However, most dentists discourage thumb sucking after a child's permanent teeth come in because it can cause problems with teeth alignment, and cause changes to the roof of the mouth.
Here's how you can get your child on track.
Link giving up the habit to growing up
Reinforce that giving up the habit is part of growing up. Point out that they never see big kids sucking their thumb. But don’t embarrass them or scold them as a way to discourage them.
Keep their mind off of the habit
Children often suck their thumbs at around the same time of day everyday. Give them something to hold to keep their hands busy. Try to distract them with another bedtime ritual. Let them look through a picture book to help keep their minds and hands busy.

Point out the issue
Sometimes kids aren’t aware of that they are sucking their thumb in public. Develop a verbal signal to help them recognize when they are thumb sucking. This will help not to embarrass them but it will get the point across.

Let nature take it’s course
In most cases peer pressure will kick in and your child will stop publicly sucking their thumb in school and around friends. If the habit starts to have real dental and medical consequences you can always consult your child’s doctor for advice and guidance.