Most babies suck their thumbs or hands. The habit is both normal and harmless.
Children tend to stop sucking their thumbs on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. However, once your toddler begins to grow front teeth, thumbsucking can result in:
- Bite problems
- Misaligned permanent teeth
- Dental issues
- Sore, callused thumbs
- Infections
The more vigorous the thumbsucking, the more intense the potential damage.
Treating Thumbsucking
Some pediatricians may recommend a pacifier to substitute for thumbs, since pacifiers:
- Are soft, causing less damage
- Can be cleaned
At UVA, we recommend that you see a pediatrician or pediatric dentist to discuss your concerns for your child’s dental health.