How do I get my child to stop sucking their thumb?

Thumb sucking can be a hard habit to break for children. There are many reasons to break the thumb sucking habit between age 2.5 and 3 years.  During thumb sucking the mouth and teeth start conforming to fit around the thumb. A child sucks their thumb to soothe themselves, this is often an unconscious habit. This sucking motion acts like an orthodontic appliance as the strength of the child’s sucking causes the thumb to push the top part of the mouth (called the pallet) upward; thus causing a high plate and a change in the child’s bite.  Also, long-term thumb sucking can push the front teeth forward and even outward, causing what is known as “bucked teeth”.

Here are some suggestions on how to break the thumb sucking habit: first off just talk with your child about breaking the habit. Try a positive reinforcement chart and provide a reward or treat for each week that they successfully do not suck their thumb and a super special prize after an entire month. At World of Smiles we have a chart we can give you to encourage breaking the habit. Kids get a special toy from us when they bring in the chart completed. You can also try putting a sock or glove over their hand during the times of day when they are most likely to suck their thumb. This acts as a reminder to keep the thumb out of their mouth. More aggressive options include putting hot sauce on your child’s thumb or using Mavala nail polish on the thumb nail. Both these act as a reminder once the child places their finger in their mouth. As a last resort there are thumb guards you can purchase or your dentist can place an oral appliance that stays in place as a reminder to the child every time they attempt to put their thumb into their mouth.  With each of these ideas, it important that your child is ready and onboard with trying to break this habit. We recommend finding a comforting item to replace their thumb sucking – a new blanket or teddy bear. And keep it positive! Once the habit is broken, you will be happy knowing that you’ve cut down on future orthodontic needs and expenses.