Dental care - thumb sucking

Sucking on fingers or thumbs is healthy and normal when children are infants. Most children stop somewhere between two and four years of age. The effects of thumb sucking are usually reversible up until the age of seven, because children still have their deciduous (baby) teeth. If thumb sucking continues beyond the age of seven, when the second teeth are coming through, permanent dental problems can occur.

Problems caused by thumb and finger sucking

Excessive thumb sucking may lead to:

• Buck teeth – for example, the front teeth may be pushed out of alignment. This can alter the shape of the face and lead to an open bite.
• A lisp – pre-school children who suck their fingers and thumbs can push their teeth out of their normal position. This interferes with the correct formation of certain speech sounds.

Helping children stop thumb and finger sucking

There are various things you can do to help your child stop thumb sucking. Focussing on the positives and rewarding your child are important. Depending on your child’s age and ability, you might like to try the following suggestions:

• Reward your child and offer encouragement – for example, with a hug or praise to reinforce their decision to stop the habit.
• Limit nagging – if children feel they are being nagged they will become defensive.
• Mark their progress on a calendar – for example, place a star or a tick for each period (such as a day or week) that the child does not suck their thumb or finger. Provide a special outing or a toy if the child gets through the period successfully.
• Encourage bonding – for example, with a special toy.
• Reminders – give your child a mitten to wear as a reminder not to suck, or place unpleasant tasting nail paint (available from chemists) on the fingers or thumb. Placing a bandaid over the thumb at bedtime is another reminder.
• Offer distractions – while your child is watching TV, have toys available for children to play with. Sit with the child during this time and give a cuddle to help them not to suck. In the car, have toys available to keep them occupied.

How often to reward your child

Younger children need more frequent rewards. A five to six year old may need a reward after the first night. You can gradually stretch out the reward period from one night, to a week and then to 30 days without thumb or finger sucking.

It may take several attempts

Children can easily drift back to their old habit and it may take several attempts before the habit is completely broken. Remember to be patient and that the first few days without sucking are usually the worst.

Where to get help

• Your dentist or oral health professional
• Your Maternal & Child Health Nurse
• Your doctor
• Your public oral health service
• Community dental clinic Tel. 1300 360 054
• The Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne, general dental enquiries Tel. (03) 9341 1000 or 1800 833 039 (from rural Victoria) Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Emergency Service Tel. 1300 360 054 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 9.15pm, weekends and public holidays 9am to 9.15pm
• All children who are 12 years and under are eligible for priority public oral health services. Children receive general oral health advice as well as dental check-ups and treatment. For eligibility information, www.dhsv.org.au Dental Health Services Victoria, Tel.1300 360 054

Things to remember

• Children usually stop thumb and finger sucking between two and four years of age.
• Thumb and finger sucking after seven years of age may cause dental problems.
• It takes patience to help your child stop the habit.
• Rewarding your child for not thumb or finger sucking may help.

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• Teeth - orthodontic treatments.
  
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Dental Health Services Victoria

Last reviewed: November 2011

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dental_care_thumb_sucking?open">Dental care - thumb sucking - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Thumb sucking is normal for infants. Sucking a thumb or fingers can damage an older child's teeth when second teeth are erupting. Parents can help a child to stop sucking their thumb with various techniques.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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