II. Physiology
- Thumb Sucking is an innate reflex
- Self-soothing method in infants
III. Epidemiology: Incidence
- Thumb Sucking extinguishes by 2-4 years spontaneously in most children
IV. Management
- Behavioral methods to extinguish persistent Thumb Sucking
- Praise and reward children when they do not thumb suck
- Help find alternative soothing methods for children (e.g. stuffed animals)
- Reminders to not suck thumb (e.g. bandage on thumb)
- Involve older children in stopping Thumb Sucking (e.g. reward system)
- Bad tasting solution applied to thumb (e.g. Thum Liquid)
- Advanced measures for persistent Thumb Sucking beyond age 4 years
- Pediatric dentist referral
- Preventive orthodontics
V. Complications
- Persistent Thumb Sucking beyond 4 years can interfere with dental development
- Permanent Teeth start to erupt at this time
- Pediatric dentist referral is recommended
-
Tooth alignment and mouth shape may be altered
- Dental malocclusion with overbite or crossbite may occur
- Nail Abnormalities
VI. Resources
- ADA Mouth Healthy