Sucking the thumb is a natural behavior for infants and children aged two to three years, which usually begins before birth or by three months of age. A pacifier is a common replacement for sucking the thumb. Many children who suck a pacifier don't suck their thumb nor do they start once the pacifier is taken away. The physical act of sucking the thumb can help develop the muscles around the jaws and mouth. It's best to wean your child from thumbsucking by age four, as that's when permanent front teeth begin to erupt. Continuing to suck the thumb after that age can cause problems with normal dental development, including pushing the front teeth out of alignment and causing buckteeth. Eventually orthodontia (or-thoh-DAWN-chuh) may be needed. If you're concerned about your child's thumbsucking behavior, consult your dentist or pediatrician for effective methods to help wean your child from this habit. Methods include praising your child when he or she is not sucking the thumb, placing a bandage on the thumb as a reminder not to suck, or having your dentist explain what can happen if this behavior doesn't stop. Children who suck their thumbs often do so to relieve anxiety. Discovering and removing, or explaining, the source of anxiety will often solve the problem. Positive reinforcement for not sucking the thumb is more effective and mentally healthy for your child than using negative comments or punishment when thumbsucking occurs.
