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Thumb and Finger Habits
Many children find sucking their thumb or fingers comforting and enjoyable. Over time, these habits can cause a malocclusion, or an incorrect bite, to form. Often, children who suck their thumb have an open bite, where their front teeth do not come together even with the mouth closed. Or they may form an overjet, where the front teeth protrude from the mouth (often called “buck teeth”). Thumb or finger-sucking is normal until about age four, and should not be stopped before then.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent it because the thumb and fingers are attached – unlike a pacifier, you can’t just take them away.
It is best not to scold your child for sucking his or her thumb or fingers. Instead, try praise when you notice that he or she is not doing so.
There are many at-home remedies for thumb-sucking, such as hot sauce, bitter tasting coatings, band-aids, socks, pajamas with gloved sleeves, etc., but generally a child will find a way to continue habits if he or she is determined to do so.
When all other measures have failed on an older child, there are habit appliances that are professionally fabricated to fit your child’s mouth. Ask one of our pediatric dentists about habit appliances at your next appointment if you feel your child may need one.
Read More About Taking Care of Children’s Teeth Ages 1-4:
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