Thumb Sucking in Children: How It Affects Your Child’s Teeth

Hello to all new parents! TDH Kids is here to answer your questions about a very common behaviour in young children, thumb sucking, and how it affects your baby’s dental health.

Thumb sucking is normal in young children

In general, thumb sucking is a natural behaviour in babies, especially during the first year of life. It helps children feel relaxed, warm and safe.

This behaviour usually fades on its own by around 2-4 years of age

But if it continues after age 4, problems may begin

If your child keeps sucking their thumb, or keeps using a pacifier, after the age of 4, it may begin to affect the development of the teeth and bite, for example:

• Protruding upper front teeth (buck teeth)
• Front teeth that do not close together (open bite)
• Abnormal bite
• Changes in the shape of the jaw

Effects on the teeth, by age

Children who stop thumb sucking before age 4
They may have a slight bite abnormality, but in most cases it can return to normal on its own once the habit stops.

Children who still suck their thumb after age 4
They are more likely to develop clearer and more severe bite problems, which may need to be corrected with braces in the future.

How to help your child stop thumb sucking (without force)

TDH Kids recommends a gradual approach that does not put pressure on your child, such as:

• Invite them to do activities that use their hands, such as drawing or playing with toys
• Encourage and praise your child when they do not suck their thumb
• Avoid scolding or making your child feel guilty
• Notice when your child sucks their thumb (for example, before bedtime) and find ways to distract them

When should you see a paediatric dentist?

If you notice that

• Your child is still sucking their thumb continuously after age 4
• The teeth are starting to protrude, or the bite is abnormal
• The thumb sucking is intense or unusually frequent

you should bring your child to see a paediatric dentist for an assessment and to plan how to prevent long-term problems.

TDH Kids cares about your child’s smile

At TDH Kids, we understand children’s development at every age and care for them gently and appropriately, so that your little one has healthy teeth and a confident smile starting today.