Speech problems caused by thumb-sucking can include not being able to say Ts and Ds, lisping, and thrusting out the tongue when talking. But the longer thumb-sucking continues, the more likely it is that orthodontic treatment will be needed. This usually corrects itself when the child stops thumb-sucking. Prolonged thumb-sucking may cause the teeth to become improperly aligned (malocclusion) or push the teeth outward. Children who suck their thumbs often or with great intensity around age 4 or 5, or those who are still sucking their thumbs at age 6, are at risk for dental or speech problems.
Thumb-sucking in children younger than 4 is usually not a problem. In rare cases, thumb-sucking after age 5 is in response to an emotional problem or other disorder, such as anxiety. Thumb-sucking can become a habit in babies and young children who use it to comfort themselves when they feel hungry, afraid, restless, quiet, sleepy, or bored. But many babies continue to suck their thumbs to soothe themselves. This urge usually decreases after the age of 6 months. Why do babies suck their thumbs?īabies have a natural urge to suck. Little by little, most children stop on their own at age 3 to 6 years. They may also suck on their fingers, hands, or items such as pacifiers. Most babies and toddlers suck their thumbs. Thumb-sucking is normal in babies and young children.