Thumb sucking: Help your child break the habit

Thumb sucking is a common childhood habit. Here are some suggestions for encouraging your child to stop the behavior.

Why do some children suck their thumbs?

Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes that cause them to put their thumbs or fingers into their mouths — even before birth. Because thumb sucking makes babies feel secure, some babies may develop the habit of thumb sucking when they need to be soothed or fall asleep.

How long does thumb sucking usually last?

Most children stop sucking their thumbs on their own by the age of six or seven months, or between the ages of two and four. Even if a child has stopped sucking his or her thumb, the behavior may return in times of stress.

When should I intervene?

Thumb sucking is usually not a problem until a child's permanent teeth appear. Thumb sucking may now start to affect the root of the mouth (palate) or how the teeth line up. The frequency, duration, and intensity with which your child sucks on his or her thumb are related to the risk of dental problems.

Although some experts recommend addressing thumb-sucking habits before the age of three, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that treatment is usually reserved for children who continue thumb-sucking after the age of five.

What can I do to encourage my child to stop thumb-sucking?

Discuss thumb-sucking with your child. You're more likely to succeed in breaking the habit if your child wants to stop and helps you choose the method.

Paying no attention to thumb-sucking can sometimes be enough to stop the behavior, especially if your child uses thumb-sucking to gain attention. If ignoring it isn't working, try one of the following methods:

• Employ positive reinforcement - When your child isn't thumb-sucking, praise him or her or give him or her a small reward, such as an extra bedtime story or a trip to the park. Set attainable goals, such as not sucking your thumb an hour before bed.

• Determine triggers - If your child sucks his or her thumb in response to stress, identify the underlying cause and provide comfort in other ways, such as a hug or soothing words. You could also give your child a stuffed animal or a pillow to squeeze.

• Provide gentle reminders - If your child sucks his or her thumb out of habit rather than to get your attention, gently remind him or her to stop. Do not chastise, criticize, or mock your child.

Can the dentist help?

Consult a dentist if you are concerned about the impact of thumb sucking on your child's teeth. Talking with the dentist about why it's important to stop thumb-sucking is more effective for some kids than talking with their parents.

Some doctors may advise you to use unpleasant techniques such as covering your child's thumbnail with a bitter substance, bandaging the thumb, or covering the hand with a sock at night.