Thumb sucking is a common habit that babies develop before they’re born. While most children naturally stop thumb sucking between the ages of two and four, some children might struggle to break the habit. If your child is still thumb sucking around the age of four, it’s important to help them stop.

Effects of Prolonged Thumb Sucking

Prolonged thumb sucking can cause:

• Misaligned teeth
• Bite problems
• Speech issues
• Changes to the roof of the mouth

How to Help Your Child Stop

Positive reinforcement, distraction, and addressing underlying anxiety can help. In some cases, a dental appliance may be recommended.