There are several reasons why do children suck on fingers, pacifiers or other objects. This type of sucking is completely normal for babies and young children. It provides security. For young babies, it is a way to make contact with and learn about the world. In fact, babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born.

Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between 2 and 4 years of age. However, some children continue these habits over long periods of time. In these children, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly. Frequent or intense habits over a prolonged period of time can affect the way the child’s teeth bite together, as well as the growth of the jaws and bones that support the teeth.

Your pediatric dentist will carefully watch the way your child’s teeth erupt and jaws develop, keeping the sucking habit in mind at all times. Because persistent habits may cause long term problems, intervention may be recommended for children beyond 3 years of age.

Most children stop sucking habits on their own, but some children need the help of their parents and their pediatric dentist. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, your pediatric dentist can encourage your child to stop, as well as talk about what happens to the teeth and jaws if your child does not stop. This advice, coupled with support from parents, helps most children quit. If this approach does not work, your pediatric dentist may recommend ways to change the behavior, including a mouth appliance that interferes with sucking habits.

Thumb, finger and pacifier sucking affect the teeth and jaws in essentially the same way. However, a pacifier habit often is easier to break. Here are some tips on using pacifiers: DO use a pacifier with a plastic shield that is wider than your child’s mouth. DO use a pacifier with ventilation holes. Do NOT tie a pacifier around your child’s neck.  Do NOT dip a pacifier in sugar or sweet liquids. This can increase your child’s risk for tooth decay. Do NOT clean a pacifier in your mouth before giving it to your child. This can pass cavity-causing germs to your child.

What can I do to stop my child’s habit? Encouraging your child to stop the habit should begin by age 3, so that the sucking will have stopped entirely by age 4. Some tips to help encourage your child to stop the habit are: Praise your child for not sucking instead of scolding them when they are. Children often want to suck when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Try to find the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort for your child. Involve your child in choosing the method of stopping. Remind your child of the habit by wrapping the thumb or finger or putting a sock on their hand at night. Visit your dentist for help. The dentist can encourage your child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.

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