Sucking is one of a baby's natural reflexes.

It is a normal infant reflex which makes a child feel secure and happy. It is normal and healthy for babies to suck their tiny thumbs – even before they are born!!! It is visible on a prenatal 3-D ultrasound of mother.

Thumb sucking does not cause permanent problems with the teeth or jaw line unless it is continued beyond 4 to 5 years of age. About 85% - 99% of children stop thumb sucking spontaneously before this period.

However, when thumb sucking is continued beyond this, it may cause problems. The child may develop protruded teeth. This is because of the pressure applied by the thumb on the teeth. The severity of the problem depends on frequency, intensity, duration and also the position in which the thumb is placed in the mouth. Speech defects can occur from malaligned teeth resulting from thumb sucking and/or finger-sucking.

The most common time for sucking is when children are tired, bored, or in need of comfort. Therefore timing of treatment is important. Another important aspect is that your child should be willing to give up thumb sucking. If your child is not willing to stop, therapy is not usually indicated. Pressure applied to stop may only lead to resistance and lack of cooperation. It can turn a natural developmental phase into an ingrained habit. So try again later.

You should try to create an environment where the child chooses to stop on its own. You can weaken the thumb-sucking habit by distracting the child when you notice the thumb in her mouth. Engage the child in such a way that he/she uses both hands. Your child needs attention and understanding .So gently discourage the habit. Reminders such as a band-aid on the thumb can help. Praise your child when successful. Take one step at a time. Encourage your child not to suck during one daytime activity, like story time or television watching. Gradually add another activity until daytime sucking is controlled.

After Daytime Sucking is controlled, Help your child to give up the sucking habit during sleep. This is usually an involuntary process and a glove, sock, or thumb/finger guard can help stop the habit. If these considerations are not successful, see your dentist for further support.