Ask Dr. Higham: When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

Lots of parents in Idaho Falls have asked Dr. Higham about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs. If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75-to-95 percent of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this anything you should worry about? In most cases, probably not. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of two and four.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he or she has gotten their permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it can cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, please give us a call and our team at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Have a great weekend!