When Does Thumb Sucking Become Damaging To The Teeth?

Thumb sucking, finger sucking or using a pacifier are ways that very young children comfort themselves. It is completely natural and parents should not be overly concerned. As for damaging the teeth, since most of these activities take place during the pre-school years, when the child has baby teeth, there is really nothing to worry about.

However, vigorous thumb or finger sucking or excessive pacifier use after the child’s permanent teeth come in should be discouraged. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the permanent teeth usually begin coming in between the ages of 4 and 6. This is the time when these activities could cause the front teeth to develop incorrectly, create protrusions and may affect the child’s jaw and roof of their mouth as well. For some reason, many dental professionals and parents confirm that it is easier to break the pacifier habit than stop thumb sucking.

Fortunately, the time that permanent teeth begin appearing is also when many children begin pre-school. Peer pressure and classroom rules often work wonders for helping a child to give up these habits. This is also when children become more mobile and have plenty of other things to keep them busy. Many become so engaged in exploring their world, that the old habits are forgotten.

Of course there are exceptions, and some kids have a very hard time leaving their “binky” behind, or forgetting about their thumb and fingers. The American Dental Association cites 4 years of age as the time to put an end to these behaviors. If your child has begun to get their permanent teeth and thumb sucking is still an issue, discuss it with us. That way, Dr. Melcher can monitor the child’s jaw and teeth to ensure that they are developing properly.

Please consider:

• Scolding or shaming a child for these behaviors is not effective.
• Investigate what causes the child to need a self-comforting tactic and try to alleviate that anxiety or avoid those situations.
• Positive reinforcement and tangible rewards are effective ways to encourage the preferred behavior of not sucking their thumb or fingers or using a pacifier.

If you're concerned about your child's oral habits, call 919-782-0548 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Simon Melcher with Implant & General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC.