Thumb sucking

Sucking on fingers or thumbs is healthy and normal when children are very young, but can cause problems if it continues. Most children stop somewhere between two and four years of age.

Problems caused by thumb or finger sucking

Sucking a dummy, thumb or finger can cause changes to the teeth and jaws if it becomes a long-term habit. The earlier a child stops this sucking, the more likely their teeth and jaws will correct the growth problems naturally.

Long-term thumb or finger-sucking may lead to:

• Incorrect positioning of teeth (an overbite) – the upper front teeth may be pushed further forward than is ideal, or the top and bottom front teeth may not touch. This can change the way the teeth meet when the child bites and can also affect speech development, especially s and z sounds (resulting in a lisp).
• An open bite – this is when the top and bottom front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed (normally the upper teeth slightly overlap the bottom teeth). If there is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth where the tongue could poke through, this could be an open bite.

Helping children stop the habit

Most children stop sucking their fingers or thumb somewhere between two and four years of age. Give your child the chance to stop their habit when they are ready, giving plenty of support and encouragement.

Depending on your child’s age and ability, you might like to:

• Give lots of encouragement – for example, give them a hug or praise to show that they’re doing something good by trying to stop.
• Use distractions – entertain them with a toy or give them a cuddle to distract them from sucking.
• Show their progress – give a special outing or a toy if the child goes for a certain period without sucking. You can gradually stretch out the period from one night to a week, and then to 30 days.
• Use reminders – give children who suck their thumb or finger a glove or adhesive bandage to wear as a reminder not to suck, or ask your pharmacist about paint-on solutions. The child must be willing to stop for this to work.

Children can easily go back to their old habit and it may take some time before the habit is completely broken. Keep trying, gently but firmly. Be patient, as the first few days are usually the hardest.

Try not to nag. If children feel they are being nagged, they may become angry and continue the habit.

If these approaches don’t work, then consider a finger or thumb guard. These serve as reminders not to suck, but also prevent the sucking action. You can also ask your oral health professional for advice.

In severe or extreme cases, you may be referred to a paediatric dentist who is a dentist with additional training and study in dental problems in children, or an orthodontist who has additional training and study in the arrangement of teeth and development of the jaw.

Where to get help

• Your maternal and child health nurse
• Your oral health professional (Dentist)
• Dental Health Services Victoria provides public dental services through the Royal Dental Hospital Of Melbourne and community dental clinics for eligible people. For more information about public dental services call (03) 9341 1000, or 1800 833 039 outside Melbourne metro.
• Australian Dental Association ‘Find a Dentist’ search function or Tel. (03) 8825 4600
• A peadiatric dental specialist or orthodontist