Thumb and finger sucking
Sucking is a completely normal and natural reflex in babies and young children that provides security and comfort.
Most children stop sucking on their thumbs, fingers or dummies on their own between the ages 2-4. Usually if the child stops by age 3-4, there are minimal adverse effects on a child’s dental growth and development. However, some children continue these habits over long periods of time this can impact their teeth and jaw development.
What are the adverse effects of prolonged sucking?
- protrusion of upper front teeth (increased overjet)
- anterior open bite malocclusion (reverse overbite)
- asymmetry of the upper arch
- narrowing and change in shape of the palate
- speech concerns
- abnormal swallowing pattern and tongue position
- psychological concerns
- calluses on the thumb or fingers
When should I worry about a sucking habit?
We recommend intervention for children older than 4 years. Otherwise, persistent habits after this may cause long term orthodontic problems. To prevent these cases, we carefully monitor the eruption and development of your child’s teeth and jaw. Thus, we review your child’s sucking habit during regular check-ups.
What can I do to stop my child’s habit?
Most children stop sucking habits on their own but some children need the help of their parents and the paediatric dental team. In older children, the dental team can encourage your child to stop by talking about what happens to their teeth and jaws if the habit is not stopped. This advice, coupled with the support of parents, motivates most children to quit.
Some strategies include:
- the “dummy fairy” for children with dummies
- use of storybook/pictures
- rewards with a chart/calendar system
- varnish from a chemist applied to the finger/thumb as a reminder to stop sucking can be helpful
What are the next steps if thumb and finger sucking still persist?
Construction of an orthodontic “habit-breaking” appliance offers a definitive and immediate positive outcome. It is a custom-fitted appliance that blocks the positioning of digits in the mouth to remind the child to stop. Fixed and removable appliances are available. In most cases, a fixed appliance is preferable because compliance and maintenance is much easier.
After breaking the habit, the appliance remains in place for 4-12 months as a reminder in case the thumb slips back in. It is an incentive for the child to stop completely so the appliance can be removed as soon as possible.
In most children, teeth and supporting bone structures begin to move toward their natural position when the habit stops. We will continue to monitor the orthodontic growth and development of your child at regular recall appointments. We may refer your child to an orthodontist in the future for comprehensive treatment if indicated.
