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Thumb sucking: Help your child break the habit
Thumb sucking can be a difficult habit for a child to break. Understand what you can do to help your child stop sucking his or her thumb.
By Mayo Clinic staffThumb sucking is a common habit among children. At some point, though, you might think, "Enough is enough." Here's help encouraging your child to stop the behavior.
Why do some children suck their thumbs?
Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, which can cause them to put their thumbs or fingers into their mouths — sometimes even before birth.
Because thumb sucking is soothing to babies, some might eventually develop a habit of thumb sucking when they're bored, tired or anxious.
Many children who suck their thumbs or fingers do so while holding a treasured object, such as a security blanket.
How long does thumb sucking usually last?
Many children stop sucking their thumbs on their own sometime during the toddler years — between ages 2 and 4. For older kids who continue to suck their thumbs, peer pressure at school usually ends the habit.
Remember, though, even a child who's stopped sucking his or her thumb might revert to the behavior when he or she is stressed or anxious.
When should I intervene?
Thumb sucking isn't usually a concern until a child's permanent teeth come in. At this point, thumb sucking might begin to affect the roof of the mouth (palate) or how the teeth line up — especially if the thumb sucking is aggressive.
Consider stepping in if:
- Your child sucks his or her thumb frequently or aggressively after age 4 or 5
- The thumb sucking is causing dental problems, such as the upper front teeth tipping toward the lip
- Your child is embarrassed about the thumb sucking
(1 of 2)
- Nowak AJ, et al. Oral habits and orofacial development in children. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed June 12, 2012.
- Ask your dentist about thumb, finger and pacifier habits. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures. Accessed June 12, 2012.
- Thumbsucking. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2977.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed June 12, 2012.
- Tseng AG, et al. Counseling on early childhood concerns: Sleep issues, thumb sucking, picky eating, and school readiness. American Family Physician. 2009;80:139.
- Shelov SP, et al. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. New York, N.Y.: Bantam; 2009.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 28, 2012.
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