Sucking on fingers and thumbs is a very common behavior seen in babies, even while they are still in the womb. Babies also interact with the world around them by biting or sucking; in many cases, this behavior is harmless, and the child grows out of the habit on their own. However, there are situations which sucking on fingers, thumbs, or pacifiers can affect the development of healthy teeth, and this is when it is time to intervene.
Typically, a child will suck on their fingers, thumbs, and pacifiers to feel secure. The American Academy of Dental Pediatrics (AAPD) explains that before 3 years of age, this is generally not something to worry about. Sucking habits that persist past a child’s third birthday, however , can result in abnormal bite alignment or “tipped” teeth. This can occur whether the child has been sucking on fingers and thumbs or pacifiers. To prevent this, the AADP recommends simple, diligent reminders to break the habit, resulting in success for most children. If this is not enough to stop the behavior, we can assist with other solutions.
