In the first few years of your child’s life, there’s hardly ever a dull moment. It feels like you’re constantly trying to protect them from the various dangers the universe throws at them while simultaneously giving them the space they need to learn and grow. All these stresses can make parents start worrying about the little things, like thumb sucking. In general, thumb sucking is a normal habit for young kids looing for entertainment or comfort. But by what age should they stop? How does this habit affect your little one’s oral health? Here’s what a children’s dentist wants you to know about thumb sucking.
It’s Perfectly Natural
The most important thing you should know about thumb sucking is that it’s completely normal. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) has said that thumb sucking is a “natural reflex” that helps children feel happier and more secure.
When Should It Stop?
While it’s a natural habit, experts agree that it shouldn’t persist indefinitely. Most children naturally stop sucking their thumbs, fingers, and pacifiers between the ages of two and four. The ADA recommends that kids above age four be discouraged from thumb sucking to avoid a negative impact on their oral health.
How Does It Affect Their Teeth?
Problems can arise if a child still sucks their thumb when their permanent teeth begin erupting around age six. Thumb sucking can physically pull the front teeth outward, preventing the upper and lower teeth from coming together correctly. This can result in issues like:
- Excessive wear and tear
- Cracked or chipped enamel
- Premature tooth loss
- Sensitivity
- Head or neck pain
- Jaw pain
Generally, the more forcefully a child sucks their thumb, the greater the damage to their teeth.
How to Discourage Thumb Sucking
It can be difficult to get your child to give up this habit since it may make them feel more secure. It might help to talk to your child about why they feel the need to suck their thumb in the first place. Often, it can be due to anxiety. A pediatrician may be able to get to the heart of the matter. If that fails, it may be time to consult a children’s dentist.
A Dentist Can Help
Dentists have special training to help children stop this habit. They may educate your child about the dangers of thumb sucking. In extreme cases, they can prescribe medication or oral appliances designed to curb the habit. Each child is different, and the treatment required may vary.
Up until a certain age, thumb sucking is a normal part of being a child. If your son or daughter has problems quitting, the best thing to do is often to call a dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Willy Kassem earned his dental doctorate from Temple University in 2007 and currently practices at iSmile Dental Arts in Williamstown, NJ. He is happy to treat patients of all ages and provides many children’s dentistry services, including dental sealants and mouthguards. To learn more about how you can get your child to stop sucking their thumb, visit Dr. Kassem’s website.
