Clearly, a baby’s urge to prefer one finger over the other is natural – but why do infants suck their thumbs in the first place? All babies are born with a strong desire to suck, according to the American Medical Association. That’s a good thing, because newborns eat from the mother or a bottle by sucking....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Sucking is also comforting to babies, and many of them continue to do so beyond the feeding times. While some infants and kids prefer to suck on pacifiers, others find that their thumbs or fingers are the best — and most accessible! — tool for self-soothing.
When it’s time to stop
Most parents who are concerned about their child’s thumb sucking worry that it may harm their child’s teeth, mouth, or jaw in the long run. These anxieties are totally understandable, especially given the high cost of orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, the American Dental Association (ADA) claims that between the ages of 2 and 4, most toddlers will quit sucking their thumbs on their own. Even at the age of four, experts do not advise parents to try to halt their child’s conduct forcibly because exerting too much pressure on your kid can have the opposite impact.
Here’s some more great news: There isn’t much chance of long-term ill effects if your child merely sucks their thumb infrequently — such as at bedtime — or maintains their thumb quietly in their mouth rather than strongly sucking it.
It could even help them with their immune system: According to a 2016 study, children who suck their thumbs are exposed to so many common household germs that it may lessen their chances of allergies and asthma. (This isn’t a go-ahead for your child to lick the table at the local fast-food establishment, but it’s comforting nonetheless.)
If your child is a heavy or consistent thumb-sucker, on the other hand, you should establish a plan for phasing out the habit. According to the American Dental Association, children who suck their thumbs well beyond age of six (when their adult teeth come in) can affect their mouth’s growth and balance. Many of the issues linked with thumb sucking may be stopped or reversed, according to the authors of one case report, however some children will still require orthodontic treatment when the habit is eliminated.
The bottom line
Is it the end of the road if your 4-year-old child is still sucking their thumb? No, but it can still be unpleasant for you as a parent, especially if your child’s conduct continues after kindergarten. If you’re having trouble getting your child to stop sucking their thumbs (or if you’re concerned if the thumb sucking is related to underlying stress or problems with anxiety), arrange a meeting with your child’s doctor. They can examine your child’s mouth, speak with them about why they are thumb sucking, and guide you both to the next step.
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