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Thumb-Sucking

Table of Contents


Overview

Thumb-sucking is normal in babies and young children. They have a natural urge to suck that starts in their first few months of life or even before birth. Babies may also suck on their fingers or hands, or items such as pacifiers.

Many babies suck their thumbs to soothe themselves. Thumb-sucking can become a habit when it's used for comfort. They may comfort themselves when they feel hungry, afraid, restless, or sleepy.

Most children who suck their thumbs stop on their own between ages 3 and 6 years old. Long-term thumb-sucking (after age 4 or 5) may cause dental problems. It can make a child's teeth uneven or push the teeth outward and can affect the roof of the mouth. Thumb-sucking also may cause speech problems, including lisping and thrusting out the tongue when talking.

Treating thumb-sucking

Thumb-sucking usually isn't a problem in children at preschool age or younger.

If you are concerned about your child's thumb-sucking, talk with your child's doctor or dentist.

Simple home treatment options stop most children from sucking their thumbs. But if your child has a sucking habit around age 4 or older, there may be other treatment options. Some of these may include:

Most children will stop on their own if you give them time. Children who suck their thumbs may need treatment if they:

Rewarding a child for not thumb-sucking

Small rewards are a great way to motivate your child. If you reward your child often and regularly for not thumb-sucking, they are more likely to succeed.


Credits for Thumb-Sucking

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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