How can thumb sucking and dummies affect children’s teeth?

What is the cause of thumb sucking?

Babies are born with an innate urge to suck, because it helps them to eat and drink. Some even begin to put their thumb or fingers in their mouth while they’re still in the uterus. So you might find your little one automatically sucks their thumb or fingers, or finds using a dummy (pacifier) soothing. Children often feel a sense of comfort and security when sucking, and it may even help them to fall asleep.

How could thumb sucking and dummies affect my child’s teeth?

It’s very common for young children to suck their thumb or fingers. Most children will stop by themselves between the ages of two and four. Lots of children break the habit in public around the time they start school, because they don’t want to do it in front of peers. So in the early years, thumb sucking isn’t usually a cause for concern and doesn’t typically cause issues. But if the habit continues past a certain age, it can lead to dental problems.

If your child is still sucking their thumb or fingers when their permanent teeth begin to come in, it could affect their teeth and jaw. This is usually around the age of six or seven. If your little one continues sucking at this age, it could lead to:

• teeth that don’t line up correctly (malocclusion)
• a gap between the front teeth
• front teeth that stick out
• changes to the shape of the roof of their mouth
• speech and language problems

If this happens, your child might need orthodontic treatment like braces when they’re older to help move their teeth or jaw into the correct position. But they’ll have to wait until they’ve stopped sucking their thumb or fingers for good before this can be done.

How much your child’s teeth and jaw are affected depends on how often, how long, and how hard they suck their thumb or fingers. For example, children who suck intensely for more than six hours a day after age seven are more likely to experience dental problems.

Dummies can have similar effects on teeth, but they tend to cause fewer issues, as most children stop using them before age seven. Plus, breaking the dummy habit is often easier. If your child does need a dummy, choose a special orthodontic one. It’s also important not to lick it or dip it in anything sweet before you give it to them. Licking your child’s dummy can spread germs from your mouth to theirs. While dipping it into juices or honey could lead to tooth decay.

How to stop thumb sucking and dummy habits

Helping your child to stop sucking their thumb, fingers or a dummy can take a little time and patience. Try to keep things positive and give your child lots of gentle encouragement and praise. The following might help.

• Praise your child when they don’t suck their thumb or dummy, especially during situations they find difficult.
• Reward your child for not sucking with something they enjoy, like reading a book together or making a reward chart.
• Keep your child’s hands busy with crafts and games, so they don’t end up in their mouth.
• Find out if your child is sucking because they feel worried, and if so, try to address the root cause of the problem.
• Give your child something else to hold that brings them comfort, such as a cuddly toy or pillow.
• Ask older children to choose how they’d like to try and stop, and involve them in making decisions.
• Place a plaster, bandage, glove or sock over your child’s hand to remind them not to suck their thumb.
• Try not to criticise your child when they do suck their thumb, fingers or dummy. Putting too much pressure on them can often make things harder.

How can my dentist help?

If your child is struggling to stop sucking their thumb, your dentist can provide guidance and support. They may recommend a thumb-sucking appliance, known as a habit breaker. This is a device that stops your child from comfortably placing their thumb in their mouth, helping to break the habit.

If thumb sucking or dummy use has already affected your child’s teeth, your dentist can discuss treatment options. This often involves orthodontic care, such as braces. However, orthodontic treatment can only begin once your child has fully stopped sucking their thumb.