Parents often ask me, ‘Which is worse, thumb sucking or a dummy?’ These are common habits in children. Thumb sucking is a natural reflex in babies and young children.
Most children grow out of thumb or finger sucking between two and four years of age.
Children usually suck their thumb when tired, stressed or hungry. They suck their thumb for comfort.
Dental problems may occur if thumb sucking continues past 5 - 6 years old. Sucking can push the front teeth out, causing teeth to protrude. This can alter the shape of the child's face and cause an `open bite'. Mal-positioned teeth can also interfere with the correct formation of certain speech sounds which can cause a lisp.
Studies of thumb suckers show they have a greater problem with breaking their habit than dummy (pacifier) suckers (Adair 2003).
It is generally recommended by dental professionals to try to stop thumb/finger or dummy sucking as soon as possible.
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