When Should I Use a Guard?
Most children will stop this behavior on their own between the ages of two and four or around when their permanent teeth start to come in, according to the American Dental Association. Your child may not require treatment for thumb sucking if they stop before their permanent (adult) teeth come in, and you don't notice any adverse side-effects.
There is no exact indication for when your child’s thumb sucking presents a problem that requires treatment that you can determine on your own. If you believe your child’s oral health or speech is affected by their thumb sucking, it’s best to consult your child’s dental professional for expert diagnosis and treatment advice.
Even though thumb sucking may not yet be a problem for your child, the longer they have the habit, the harder it will be to overcome. With this in mind, it may be smart to encourage them to stop the behavior before it contributes to oral problems.
Some steps you can take before using a thumb-sucking guard may include:
- Reward them for not sucking their thumb or using a healthier method to self-soothe, like holding a stuffed animal or using a stress ball.
- Make a chart to track their behavior with stickers and reward them when they reach a certain number.
- Gently remind them not to suck their thumb and help them manage or reduce their stress.
- Avoid shaming, criticizing, or punishing your child for sucking their thumb. This can contribute to stress and increase their self-soothing behavior.
- Try putting a sock or bandage on their thumb as a reminder to not suck on it.
We recommend trying to reinforce your child’s good behavior and speaking with your child's medical or dental professional to ensure their thumb sucking is a problem before purchasing a guard.