Is thumb sucking harmful?

Prolonged thumb sucking is harmful when the permanent teeth erupt. It can cause problems with the growth and alignment of teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. Vigorous intensive thumb sucking will cause more severe problems than passive resting of the thumb in the mouth.

When should thumb sucking stop?

By the time permanent teeth are ready to erupt, thumb sucking should have stopped. Usually it stops between the ages of 2 and 4 years. As children spend more time awake discovering their surroundings and less time asleep. When children begin school peer pressure often causes children to stop thumb sucking.

Is sucking a dummy less harmful?

Dummies can affect the teeth in much the same way as sucking fingers or thumbs.

How can I get may child to stop thumb sucking?

Constant and persistent pressure can exacerbate the problem. As the child gets older involve them in choosing the suitable method of stopping.
Children often suck their thumbs when tired or emotionally upset.
Praise the child when he/she is not sucking his/her thumb.