Toddlers and babies often suck their fingers as a way to self-soothe and find comfort. During infancy and early toddlerhood, thumb or finger sucking is a natural habit that children use to self-soothe. However, it can become problematic if the behavior continues into childhood since it can lead to dental problems and potential social stigma. This can leave many parents wondering when they should break the habit.

Most children should stop sucking their thumb when their permanent teeth grow in, around the age of 5 or 6. However, some parents may consider starting to break finger-sucking at a much younger age. Delve into the pros and cons of starting to break finger-sucking very young.

Pros of Breaking Finger Sucking Habit Early

No parent wants to see their child struggle with an unhealthy habit, and it’s understandable why many may want to address finger-sucking as soon as possible. Some potential pros of starting early include:

Helps Prevent the Habit

Developing early strategies to prevent thumb sucking ensures the habit does not persist into later childhood, where it may become more challenging to stop. Habits are harder to break the longer they persist because they become an ingrained behavior pattern.

For example, if your child sucks their thumb anytime they feel nervous, they may eventually do so subconsciously anytime they deal with stress. This is because their young mind drew a connection between thumb sucking and feeling better in uncomfortable moments.

By tackling this behavior early, you can reduce the risk of it becoming habitual or ingrained. If your child does not rely on thumb or finger sucking for comfort, they are less likely to develop a dependence on the behavior in the future.

Reduces Risk of Social Stigma

Children who continue finger-sucking as they age may face potential social stigma or peer judgment. Many studies suggest that thumb or finger sucking beyond the toddler years can lead to negative perceptions, both among peers and within social environments, impacting a child’s confidence and social integration.

Children who overcome the behavior early will not get singled out because of it. This proactive approach fosters higher self-esteem and improves their ability to form peer relationships, setting a strong foundation for positive social interaction.

Promotes Dental Health

Prolonged finger sucking can cause dental complications such as misaligned teeth, a high palate, or improper jaw development. Pediatric dentists highlight that extended finger sucking can contribute to malocclusions—abnormal alignments of the teeth—which may require corrective orthodontic treatments later in life.

Breaking the habit during early childhood allows the oral cavity to develop naturally without undue pressure caused by finger-sucking. Address the issue around the time your child loses their first tooth, as this will give their permanent teeth the best chance at proper development.

Reduces the Risk of Sickness

Each time your child puts their fingers in their mouth, they expose their body to germs and bacteria, increasing their risk of sickness. This issue is more significant as the child grows since they may use their fingers for a broader range of activities, from playing outside to handling school supplies.

Improves Self-Esteem

By preventing the habit and risk of social stigma, you make it easier for your child to develop high self-esteem and confidence. School-age children who suck their thumb in class may be bullied by their peers because of their unusual behavior, leading to feelings of self-consciousness and low confidence.

Moreover, addressing the issue early encourages proper dental health. Thumb and finger sucking can cause improper formation of the jaw – overbites, underbites, crossbites, etc.- which makes a child self-conscious about their smile.

Cons of Breaking Finger Sucking Habit Early

Although there are numerous benefits to breaking the finger-sucking habit early, there are also potential downsides. Some cons may include:

Can Cause Short-Term Stress

Breaking a comforting habit early may introduce short-term stress for infants and toddlers since this behavior is normal during the first few years of life. Taking the self-soothing mechanism away too early may make your child fussier, have difficulty falling asleep, or feel anxious.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician or dentist to determine the best age to begin breaking the habit. They can provide individualized guidance. All children are different and reach milestones at varying ages.

Pro Tip

Parents and caregivers should weigh their child’s temperament and emotional needs before enforcing strict measures. Abrupt intervention may lead to temporary behavioral difficulties, such as clinginess or tantrums.

Might Not Address the Trigger

Finger-sucking often stems from underlying triggers, such as stress, anxiety, or difficulty self-regulating emotions. When your primary focus is breaking the habit, you may overlook what’s triggering the behavior, leading to other unhealthy coping habits such as nail biting or hair twirling.

To avoid substitute behaviors, parents and caregivers should assess the triggers prompting finger sucking. Addressing these root causes through regular observation, emotional support, or even consultation with a pediatric specialist ensures a more effective and comprehensive approach to breaking the habit.

Can Lead to Shame

At a young age, most children have a black-and-white view of things and don’t understand the nuances of maturity. If you try breaking the habit when your child is too young, they may assume that thumb-sucking is bad and attribute that shame to themselves. This can lead to embarrassment, hiding the behavior, or even developing negative self-worth.

Positive Ways to End Thumb Sucking

Understanding the pros and cons of breaking a finger-sucking habit at a very young age is essential. If your child is too young, stopping the habit could create stress, but breaking it may become more challenging if you wait too long. Strategies to consider include:

Acknowledge and Distract

Gently pointing out when they are sucking their thumb or fingers can help bring awareness to the behavior, making it easier for them to recognize when they are doing it. Once acknowledged, provide an alternative soothing activity, such as offering a favorite toy or blanket.

Offer Other Coping Skills

You should have other coping mechanisms to offer to your child once you decide to break this habit in your child. Determining the best options requires some trial and error before removing thumb sucking, and this can take time. This process can be challenging and is often not quick or easy.

Helping your child develop new coping skills also requires patience and consistency. Some strategies may include offering a favorite toy or blanket for comfort or practicing deep breathing exercises when anxious.

Create a Gentle Routine for Change

Gradual change is often more effective than abrupt measures. Provide gentle verbal reminders when noticing finger sucking and combine them with comforting words of encouragement, demonstrating patience as the child adjusts. Avoid framing the habit as “bad” to ensure the transition feels like a positive learning experience.

Buy a Finger Sucking Glove

Sometimes knowing how to break finger sucking means buying the right tools. TGuard’s finger sucking glove is the perfect tool for ending this habit and doesn’t hinder hand mobility. The device slides over your child’s hand and has holes along the side of it to prevent the pleasurable suction created during finger sucking. Keep your child comfortable as you help end their finger sucking habit.