Thumb-sucking is a natural way for infants to soothe themselves, but as children grow, it can lead to developmental problems. Beyond hygiene concerns, thumb-sucking can cause blisters, bites, and damage to teeth and the palate.
Parents have devised all kinds of methods to try to discourage thumb-sucking, such as putting nasty-tasting (and maybe even toxic!) soap on thumbnails. But by the time parents resorted to that kind of Draconian measure, they couldn’t reverse the damage.
If your child is an aggressive, determined thumb-sucker, a thumb-sucking glove can help break the habit. But until you can get one onto your child’s hand, you’ll need to know how to treat thumb-sucking injuries to minimize the damage your child may have already caused to their mouth, thumb, teeth, or entire body.
Common Issues and How to Treat Them
Treating Blisters
Blisters are a common thumb-sucking injury. If you’re lucky enough to catch a blister on your child’s thumb before it bursts, wash it gently with soap and water and pat it dry. Use ice to reduce any swelling. Also, try to ensure the blister doesn’t burst.
Other recommendations to heal blisters include:
- DO NOT use an adhesive bandage, which is a choking hazard for young children
- Don’t apply any type of ointment, as these can be toxic if ingested
- Do your best to keep the area clean and dry, and wait for time to heal it.
If the blister has burst, keep a careful eye out for signs of infection, like redness and swelling or a fever. If you suspect an infection, contact your pediatrician immediately.
Addressing Dental Deformation
If your child persists in sucking their thumb even after their permanent teeth have come in, they can cause misalignment of their teeth and damage the roof of their mouth. Early intervention is key. A dentist or orthodontist can recommend dental devices that discourage thumb-sucking while supporting proper oral development. Regular dental checkups are crucial for children with this habit.
Other methods to reduce dental damage include:
- Asking your dentist or orthodontist about dental devices designed to discourage thumb sucking
- Scheduling regular dental checkups to identify misalignment before it worsens
- Monitoring for signs of sores and irritation
- Maintaining regular cleanings to keep the mouth healthy
Correcting Speech Effects
A misshapen palate or misaligned teeth cause wear on teeth, problems in the mouth, and speech problems. These malformations can cause them to develop a lisp. In turn, this could require speech therapy to correct while your child is also trying to cope with dental work and the anxiety of starting school.
Methods to address speech effects include:
- Early dental intervention to correct palate or tooth misalignment
- Speech therapy to help children overcome lisps or articulation issues caused by oral shifts
- Careful practice of proper sounds and words at home
- Positive reinforcement to celebrate progress with speech and reducing thumb-sucking
- Coordination with dentists and speech therapist to support outcomes
Healing Infections
All kids go through tummy aches, runny noses, and coughs. You know when your child is feeling less than 100 percent and when to check for fevers. But you may not have considered that thumb-sucking could be the source of your child’s upset stomach, fever, or diarrhea. Be vigilant about hand-washing for everyone in the household, but especially for thumb-sucking children.
You can reduce the risks of infections from thumb and finger sucking by:
- Use child-safe moisturizers to heal dry skin from hand washing or sucking
- Teach kids thorough hand-washing with gentle soup including scrubbing between fingers, wrists, and nails
- Model positive health behaviors such as hand washing, coughing into your elbow, and cleaning surfaces
- Keep fingernails trimmed short to prevent bacteria and direct from collecting
- Remind children to not share cups, utensils, or toys they put in their mouth
Reducing Social Stigma
It may not seem like an “injury,” but the social stigma attached to thumb-sucking can do as much harm as a cut or an infection. By the time children reach school, most have outgrown the thumb-sucking habit. Those who haven’t can become the targets of bullying, ridicule, and ostracism from playground games.
Some ways to handle social impacts from thumb sucking include:
- Helping them find alternative comfort strategies, like a favorite toy or stress balls
- Work with your child’s teacher to come up with incentives, like a (private!) reward system for getting through the day without indulging in the habit
- Talking openly with your child about why they may want to stop, in a gentle, age-appropriate way
- Praising efforts and progress instead of criticizing or shaming
- Offering positive reinforcement—stickers, small rewards, or special privileges
Helping Your Child Break the Habit
When you motivate your child to stop sucking their thumb, they’ll be more accepting of using TGuard to break the habit quickly. TGuard removes the sense of suction when a child puts their thumb in their mouth, making thumb-sucking less satisfying, and dampening the impulse to do it. Learn more about the TGuard and how it can help your child become the big kid they want to be.
Thumb Sucking Injuries FAQ
Why do older children and toddlers suck their thumbs?
In toddlers and older children, thumb-sucking is often a response to anxiety and stress. It’s a self-soothing habit they’ve used for comfort. By observing when your child sucks their thumb, you can identify triggers and have a gentle, non-confrontational conversation about what might be making them anxious.
How can I motivate my child to stop sucking their thumb?
You can gently motivate your child to stop by explaining the negative effects, such as potential injuries or the spread of germs. Frame it positively by highlighting the benefits of being a “big kid” who has moved past the habit. This approach can make them more receptive to trying a solution to help them quit.
How can TGuard help me?
When you motivate your child to stop sucking their thumb, they’ll be more accepting of using TGuard to break the habit quickly. TGuard removes the sense of suction when a child puts their thumb in their mouth, making thumb-sucking less satisfying, and dampening the impulse to do it. Learn more about the TGuard and how it can help your child become the big kid they want to be.
