Thumb sucking or Finger sucking – is an innate reflex. Children may suck on thumbs or fingers when feeling insecure or in need of comfort.  Sometimes, children will suck their thumb as a means of soothing themselves or to help fall asleep a night.

As a parent, you may be wondering if the habit will continue. The good news is most children stop thumb sucking between the ages of two to four. Ideally, we want the habit to stop by the time permanent teeth are about to emerge.  Prolonged thumb sucking can have an adverse effect on baby teeth and how the permanent  teeth fit together.

Your pediatric dentist can offer solutions to help your child break digit habits and help you better understand how the habit affects the developing teeth and bite.