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Is it bad for my baby or toddler’s teeth to thumb-suck?

Sleeping ittle cute baby sucking thumb

For kids, thumb sucking is a normal way to calm down, like wanting a blanket or toy before bed. Though, the American Dental Association says that thumb sucking usually stops between the ages of two and four. Some kids may do it again if they are upset or before bed. It’s normal to suck your thumb, but if you do it after age two to four, it can hurt your teeth. Some of these problems are an overbite, a misaligned bite, and problems with the mouth. 

When Kids Should Stop Sucking Their Thumb

It’s best to stop kids from sucking their thumbs by the time they are five years old. Every child is different and has different needs. Around this age, sucking your thumb can cause bite and tooth alignment problems for life. Make an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist right away if you notice any changes in their positioning or teeth. Catching dental problems early can make a big difference in how your toddler’s teeth look. 

How to Adopt a Healthy Habit

Your child’s baby teeth can directly affect how well their adult teeth come in, and they can also be a great time to teach them good dental habits that will last a lifetime. But keep in mind that stopping your child from sucking their thumb can help keep their teeth healthy, but it’s best to do it slowly and without punishing them. Making them feel bad about sucking their thumb can make the process of stopping take longer because thumb sucking can be linked to stress.

Try giving them something comfortable instead, like a stuffed animal. If your child doesn’t suck their thumb, you can treat them with healthy, sugar-free snacks. Keep in mind that your child might not even be aware that they are sucking their thumb, so be gentle and use praise to help them stop. You can also put a little lemon juice on your child’s thumb to stop them from sucking it. Just make sure to use very little juice, since citrus fruits are acidic and can damage teeth over time. 

Reward kids for good dental habits and behavior 

A sticker chart, treats, and direct praise are all great ways to help kids stop sucking their thumbs. You can also take stronger steps, like putting a band-aid of their favorite figure on their thumb or keeping a sock on their hand at night. If you still can’t get your toddler to stop sucking their thumb and are afraid about their teeth, you might want to talk to a dentist. They can give you professional advice, a prescription for a bitter medicine, or a thumb-sucking guard to help your child stop sucking their thumb. 

Find a dentist for kids near you.
If you need to find a children’s dentist check out Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry. We have been treating babies and kids for years and teaching them good dental habits from a young age. People from To make an appointment or ask questions about thumb eating or your child’s baby teeth, call our office at 914-777-1140 for our Harrison location or  516-784-4100 for our Floral Park location. We look forward to serving you!

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