Parents have a general idea that babies suck their thumbs and that they should stop on their own around age two or three. It’s also generally common knowledge that if a child persists in thumb-sucking after age four or when permanent teeth come in, intervention is probably necessary. But these five facts about thumb-sucking you didn’t know might surprise you.
Thumb-Sucking Is a Need
Thumb-sucking serves a fundamental need. The habit is not random but an instinctive reflex in infants and young children. It provides them with a sense of security and is a way for them to explore their world.
Thumb-Sucking Isn’t Parent’s Fault
Parents often carry a burden of guilt when their children develop the habit of sucking their thumbs. But thumb-sucking isn’t the parents’ fault. This behavior is a natural tendency that many children adopt as a comforting strategy.
Instead of blaming yourself, comprehending the reasons behind this behavior is more constructive: Is it boredom? Anxiety? Hunger? When you notice what seems to trigger thumb-sucking, you can seek gentle ways to discourage it when necessary.
Thumb-Sucking Stimulates Pleasure Centers in the Brain
In a fascinating display of the body’s innate wisdom, thumb-sucking stimulates pleasure centers in the brain, providing immense comfort and satisfaction to infants and young children. This habit taps into the body’s natural reward system, releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
Medical professionals have observed this phenomenon, noting that the act of thumb-sucking can significantly calm a distressed child. It is an instinctual response, a coping mechanism that children use to soothe themselves during times of stress, anxiety, or fatigue. Understanding this correlation between thumb-sucking and brain stimulation can provide valuable insights into your child’s behavior and emotional needs.
Some Babies Begin Thumb-Sucking in the Womb
Interestingly, some babies start sucking their thumbs in the womb. Ultrasounds have captured images of fetuses sucking their thumbs, demonstrating that this behavior starts even before birth. This fact underscores that thumb-sucking is a natural reflex, not a learned behavior.
Prolonged Thumb-Sucking Can Change the Shape of the Mouth and Jaw
While thumb-sucking can be harmless in infants and young toddlers, prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to dental and oral issues. These may include alterations in the shape of the mouth and jaw, misalignment of teeth, and development of a lisp. If your child continues to suck their thumb beyond the age of four or five, when permanent teeth start to emerge, you might want to consider using a device to stop thumb-sucking. This step can help prevent long-term damage to their oral health.
Thumb-sucking is a natural reflex that serves a vital need in infants and young children. However, extended thumb-sucking can lead to oral health complications. By understanding these facts you may not have known about thumb-sucking, parents can make well-informed decisions about their children’s health and wellness.
