Orthodontists and pediatric dentists are often the best resources for children who are sucking their thumb/finger because they have experience with young patients, knowledge regarding the effects of a digit habit on the teeth/mouth, and they can provide a different voice for the child to hear.

In our office, our first effort is always directed toward at-home methods for stopping thumb/finger sucking in order to reduce and/or eliminate the need for orthodontic appliances. You can also search online if you want your child to stop thumb sucking.

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We always like to start with a positive approach of brainstorming together with the child and the parent(s) to get a feel for the child’s willingness to decrease/stop, we talk about ideas on how to stop and elucidate which technique might work best for them.

The thumb sucking habit, as how some experts believe, might start even during pre-birth. That is, when babies are still in the womb and completing the age of gestation. However, this is not yet certain. What is certain though is that this sucking reflex is firstly associated with the means on how children eat, either through breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Note: We do not advise trying to stop a sucking habit during times of transition such as starting a new school year, changes in family structure/family schedule since it is thought that the endorphins released from the suction may have a soothing effect. If the habit was significant, the first night or two without the thumb/finger can be difficult, especially if sucking a thumb/finger was part of going to sleep.