Along with favorite blankets, teddy bears, and nap time, thumb-sucking can be one of the most comforting aspects of childhood. According to a recent report, between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs, so chances are there's a thumb-sucker (or a former thumb-sucker) in your family. Is this cause for worry?

In most cases, no. However, it's important to pay attention to your child's habits, in case his behavior has the potential to affect his oral health.

What Is Normal Thumb-Sucking Behavior?

The majority of children suck a thumb or a finger from a very young age; most even start inside the womb. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and it serves an important purpose. Sucking often provides a sense of security and contentment for a young one. It can also be relaxing, which is why many children suck their thumbs as they fall asleep.

According to the American Dental Association, most children stop thumb-sucking on their own between the ages of two and four. They simply grow out of a habit that is no longer useful to them.

However, some children continue sucking beyond the preschool years (although studies show that the older a child gets, the lower his chances of continuing to suck his thumb). If your child is still sucking when his permanent teeth start to erupt, it may be time to take action to break the habit.

What Signs Should I Watch For?

First, take note of how your child sucks his thumb. If he sucks passively, with his thumb gently resting inside his mouth, he is less likely to cause damage. If, on the other hand, he is an aggressive thumb-sucker, placing pressure on his mouth or teeth, the habit may cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. Extended sucking affects both the teeth and the shape of the face and may lead to a need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

If at any time you suspect your child's thumb-sucking may be affecting his oral health, please give us a call or bring him in for a visit. We can help you assess the situation.

How Can I Help My Child Quit Thumb-Sucking?

It is as difficult for a child to give up sucking his thumb as it is for an adult to give up smoking. He needs all the help he can get. Our office has devised a routine to help the child rid him of this detrimental habit. We have used the routine for many years and find it 50% successful.

Frankly, parents have taken short cuts or not fulfilled their responsibility in carrying out the routine. The following rules must be strictly adhered to if you wish to uphold your end of the bargain.

1. Telephone our office every day for the first week so that we may encourage your child and allow him to receive the satisfaction he is entitled to for his achievement.
2. Allow your child to paint the "Thumb Reminder Medicine" on his thumb, (you hold the bottle) after every meal and before retiring. Be sure to have him wash his hands before eating. Do this every day for two weeks.
3. Be sure to reward your child each day his thumb remembers to stay out of his mouth by placing a star on his chart. If the thumb forgets, do not scold him, but do not award him with a star.
4. If at the end of two weeks the routine has been successful, bring your child and his star char to our office so that we may personally praise him and place his name on our Honor Role. This will help to keep him motivated.
5. If you have any questions, call our office.

If you follow the above rules, the chances are excellent that your child will be able to lick the habit and any damage he has done to his bite will correct itself. If this routine fails, it may be tried again at some later date, however, our experience with "repeats" is poor so the child should be given every advantage on the first try.

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