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Logo for El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness featuring three overlapping leaves in green, lime, and teal above the business name. Two sparkling stars by the leaves evoke freshness—perfectly representing Dr. Rika Prodhan El Dorado Hills dentistry.
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THUMB SUCKING

THUMB SUCKING

Thumb sucking is one of the most common comforting aspects in infants. Between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs or fingers. In most cases this in not an issue and children will often grow out of it. We recommend keeping an eye on this habit to make sure it isn’t negatively impacting them.

IS THUMB SUCKING NORMAL

Thumb/ finger sucking starts very early on. Some babies have even been caught sucking their thumbs inside the womb. It’s a natural instinct that tends to bring comfort to infants and children. The relaxing effect is why it’s so common in little ones, especially when they are trying to rest. 

The American Dental Associations states that most children grow out of thumb sucking between the ages of two and four on their own with no necessary intervention. The habit simply stops being as useful as children get older, so they begin relying on it less and less. The older a child gets, the more likely they are to end the habit. This isn’t always the case, however. Some children struggle to let go of this habit, and once permanent teeth start to come in, it may be time to take action.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN THUMB SUCKING

The first thing to look out for is how much pressure is being put on the mouth or teeth. If the thumb is passively in their mouth, they are less likely to cause damage than if they are applying pressure to the inside of their mouth. Pressure on the teeth can cause damage to alignment and proper mouth development which can change the shape of your child’s face. This will need to be corrected later in life with orthodontic treatment. 

If you notice signs that your child’s thumb sucking is causing issues, give us a call or schedule a visit so we can address the issue before it leads to damage.

A close-up of a baby lying down, wearing a knitted brown hat and sucking on their thumb. The baby has big, expressive eyes—a picture of calm curiosity, much like the gentle care at El Dorado Hills dentistry.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD QUIT THUMB SUCKING?

If your dentist has suggested you help your child quit thumb sucking, or if they are getting permanent teeth and struggling to let go of their habit, follow these guidelines:

  1. Be positive. Children do better with positive reinforcement. Instead of punishing, offer praise and encouragement when they aren’t sucking their thumb.
  2. Help them remember to keep their thumb out of their mouth by putting a bandit or a sock/ glove on their hand at night when they are more likely to suck their thumb subconsciously.
  3. Some children do well with a progress chart. Let your child add a sticker for every day that they don’t suck their thumb. After a successful week, you can let them choose a prize. After a month you can offer a bigger prize and the habit should be over if they received a sticker every day.
  4. Notice when your child is most likely to suck their thumb. If you notice your child sucking when they are anxious, focus on eliminating the source.
  5. If you notice thumb sucking is most common on long car rides or during movies, try to find distractions.
  6.  Depending on your child’s age, they may benefit from hearing why they need to stop sucking their thumb. Explain why it is important to break the habit.
 

Remember, thumb sucking is a form of soothing for children. Breaking the habit can be difficult and they need your positive support and understanding to learn to feel relaxed without sucking their thumb.

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FAQs

Yes. Thumb and finger sucking are common self-soothing behaviors in infants and toddlers. Most children naturally outgrow the habit by ages 2 to 4 without needing intervention.

 

 

 

If your child continues thumb sucking past age 4 or it begins to affect the alignment of their teeth or the shape of their palate, it’s time to consult with Dr. Rika for gentle guidance and support.

 

 

 

Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to open bites, overbites, or narrow palates, which may affect chewing, speech, and jaw development. Early monitoring helps prevent long-term issues.

 

 

 

Positive reinforcement, gentle reminders, and creating a soothing bedtime routine can help. If the habit persists, Dr. Rika can recommend non-invasive tools and behavioral strategies tailored to your child.

 

 

 

Yes. For older children who need extra support, we offer custom oral appliances that gently discourage thumb or finger sucking. These are used only when appropriate and after discussing all other options.

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