Thumb sucking is a natural behavior for babies and toddlers. Studies show that about 90% of newborns show some type of sucking reflex or hand sucking within two hours of birth.1 You may have even gotten excited at an ultrasound visit or two before your little one made his debut as you watched him suck his little thumb in utero to comfort himself.
It is truly remarkable to think of our innate ability to self-soothe, even before birth. But as time goes on and your child grows, that cute behavior can cause concern. Parents of thumb suckers worry about every implication, from tooth damage to possible infections and even teasing from other children. Let’s delve into the world of thumb suction, examine the advantages, disadvantages, alternative options, and everything in between.
So, is it bad to suck a thumb? Thumb-sucking is considered normal behavior of infants and young children and should not cause any permanent issues if it stops by age 5. Usually, the positive aspects of thumb-sucking are not widely discussed. . However, one study says there may be benefits to having your fingers in your mouth.2
New Zealand researchers followed about 1,000 people born in 1972-1973 until their 38th birthday. When they were 5, 7, 9, and 11, the researchers asked their parents if they sucked their thumbs or bit their nails. When they were tested at age 13 for allergies to common things like dust, grass, cats, dogs, and mold, they found that 38% of those with an “oral habit” tested positive — while 49% of non-suckers tested positive. their thumbs or bite their nails. This “protection” is still there at age 32.2
Many children naturally stop thumb-sucking between the ages of two and four. Parents do not need to worry until the front teeth break or break. Potential problems such as bite issues or protruding front teeth can arise at this stage.1
Prolonged thumb sucking can cause problems with proper mouth growth and teeth alignment. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth.3 If the bite does not correct itself and the upper adult teeth are erupting, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to straighten the teeth and help prevent broken front teeth.4
The severity of thumb suction plays a role in determining whether such issues may occur. Other possible problems resulting from thumb suction include sore thumbs, infections, and calluses.1
Using pacifiers is harmless for babies and toddlers and can offer great benefits. They have been found to have an analgesic effect, which means they can help soothe and comfort young children in stressful situations. Pacifiers can make the end of a feeding, a new environment, or even a minor medical procedure like routine shots more bearable. For preterm babies, the use of pacifiers has been proven to lead to shorter hospital stays, which is good news for worried parents.5
Another significant advantage is that pacifiers can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Offering pacifiers to babies from one month and older at bedtime can be a useful precautionary measure against SIDS.6
However, like most things, there are potential downsides to prolonged pacifier use. One concern is that a pacifier can negatively affect breastfeeding, causing difficulties for both baby and mother.6 I vividly remember coming home from the hospital with our newborn and being hesitant to introduce a pacifier. A lactation consultant’s warning about potential nipple confusion echoed in my mind, and we tried various calming techniques to calm her cries.
However, after about two weeks, my mother and mother-in-law encouraged me to try a pacifier for her comfort. Reluctantly, we surrendered, and the result was immediate calm for everyone. Plus, my son never experienced any breastfeeding issues. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends educating mothers about pacifier use in the immediate postpartum period to prevent breastfeeding issues.6
Dental health is another consideration. Prolonged use of pacifiers can lead to dental malocclusion, which can affect how teeth align. Adverse dental effects are more likely to be noticeable after two years, especially when pacifier use continues for more than four years.9
Additionally, there is a risk of otitis media, an ear infection associated with pacifier use.9 Medical experts recommend weaning babies off pacifiers in the second six months of life to prevent this.6
Experts suggest that pacifiers may be preferable to thumb suction for several reasons. Pacifiers are softer and cause less damage to the teeth than the prolonged pressure of thumb suction. In addition, the plastic rim on pacifiers can relieve some of the tension on the teeth. From a hygiene perspective, pacifiers are easy to clean, promoting better oral health than the constant presence of the thumb.1
When it comes to the best pacifier for a thumb sucker, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every baby is different, and finding the right pacifier can involve trial and error to see which one your baby likes best.
While one method to stop this behavior may be to simply ignore it until your child naturally gives up the habit, there are several ways to stop the behavior. If this doesn’t work, try one of these techniques:
Encourage positive behavior in your child by giving praise and small rewards for avoiding thumb-sucking. You can start an hour before bedtime and can work without taking a sip after dinner. Celebrating their success with stickers on a calendar can motivate them.8
Identifying the underlying issue why your child is sucking his thumb and offering relief through alternative means is important. Instead of thumbing, offer reassurance and comfort with a warm hug or comforting words. Placing a pillow or stuffed animal can also be a useful and soothing substitute.8
If your child accidentally sucks his thumb, please offer gentle reminders to stop the habit. Use a compassionate approach to encourage them to stop natural thumb-sucking. By providing understanding and support, you can help your child break the habit in a positive and fun way.8
Overall, thumb sucking can have pros and cons for children, so it’s important for parents to be aware of its effects on their children. Understanding that thumb-sucking can serve as a coping mechanism for stress or comfort, parents can become more attuned to their child’s behavior and emotions. Being proactive about monitoring the intensity and duration of thumb sucking will also help address any potential oral health issues early. Parents can guide their children through this developmental stage and ensure their healthy growth through a nurturing and supportive approach.
