Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Many babies and young children calm themselves by sucking their thumbs. While most children will stop on their own, some continue past the age of 4 or 5. Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to dental and speech problems. With lots of love, encouragement, and a few simple steps, you can help your child break their thumb-sucking habit. Here are some tips. Use puzzles, games, crafts, or other favorite activities. Many children suck their thumbs while watching TV or online videos without thinking about it. Try a bandage, gloves, or a special nontoxic, bad-tasting nail coating. Explain to your child that the bandage, glove, or nail coating is not a punishment. It's there to remind them not to thumb-suck. Thumb-sucking at night is the most difficult habit to break. It may take up to 3 months before your child is able to fall asleep without thumb-sucking. Gently explain to your child that if they continue to suck their thumb during the night, the habit will not go away. Your child may feel stress when they are hungry, tired, or afraid. Tell them why they might want to stop thumb-sucking. Let your child know that thumb-sucking causes problems with their teeth and mouth. Put stickers on a calendar on the days your child goes without sucking their thumb. Celebrate your child's success and give them plenty of praise. Be available for your child throughout this process. Acknowledge that this is a hard habit to break. If you are consistent, patient, and positive, your child will be more likely to succeed. Remember this is your child's habit to break, and they must be willing to cooperate. Do not force your child to comply. Some children have a more difficult time than others giving up thumb-sucking. It is important to use positive reinforcement during this process. If your child is insecure, has any emotional problems, or is under stress and needs comforting, you may need to resolve those issues first before your child will succeed at stopping thumb-sucking. If your child continues thumb-sucking, you may want to speak to a pediatrician or dentist to learn about devices (such as a thumb guard) that can be tried to prevent thumb-sucking. Current as of: October 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: October 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Thumb-Sucking: Helping Your Child Stop
Overview
What if your child can't break the habit?
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Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: October 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardThumb-Sucking: Helping Your Child Stop
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.