Is thumb sucking more than just a habit?

The habit of thumb sucking in children up to the age of four is a normal and innocent reflex. Beware though! Thumb sucking after the age of four could be a sign of insecurity and discomfort in children. Fatih Aydın, a pediatrician at Medical Park Hospital, provides information and debunks some myths about the common habit of thumb sucking in children. Thumb sucking is a normal reflex seen in children without any psycho-pathologic impact, until the age of three or four. The habit of thumb sucking is a harmless behavior found in almost every single baby. Babies discover their thumbs in the womb and sucking is one of the earliest and strongest reflexes that babies have. Most the parents think that the rationale behind thumb sucking is hunger. However, about 70 percent of thumb sucking occurs regardless of feeding time and quantity. About half of one-year-old babies have the habit of thumb sucking. From nine months, there seems to be a relationship between sleeping and thumb sucking. Some babies also suck their thumb as an indication of when their baby teeth come in, and some for a sense of shame and restrain when they are faced with a problem. Thumb sucking is a common habit among children until the age of three and four seen almost every baby. Babies may suck their thumbs when their teeth come out and due to having an itchy palate. The only time this might cause concern is if the habit continues due to the adverse psychological effects it may be indicative of. If parents are very controlling or oppressive, children who have difficulty gaining self-confidence may continue the habit of thumb sucking. Children who try to attract their parents' attention (e.g., if a baby is born in the family) may also have the habit of thumb sucking. Family problems (marital discord) may also cause this habit.

Researchers have discovered that incase thumb sucking persists beyond the ages of five or six teeth may be deformed. Thumb sucking can cause misalignment by pressing on muscle and bones that are still developing. The baby's upper front teeth may be pushed forward and the lower teeth back. The extent to which the teeth are displaced will depend on how long the baby sucks his or her thumb and how she positions her thumb. In general, children stop thumb sucking with time and by their own accord. There is really no need to be alarmed about it and this habit should not be prevented by force. Forcing can result in twitching, nail biting and bedwetting. Parents should also avoid the tying and slapping of hands. If the habit of thumb sucking lasts longer than expected, parents should seek advice from a child psychiatrist or pediatrician.