If your toddler still has a thumb or dummy firmly in their mouth, you're not alone. Almost every parent in Eglinton, Alkimos and across Perth's northern suburbs has wondered at some point whether this habit is doing any harm. The good news is that thumb sucking teeth concerns are very common, and in most cases there's no need to panic.
At Eglinton Dental Care, we see thumb and dummy habits in young patients regularly. We never blame parents for this, because sucking is a completely natural reflex. This article covers how long-term sucking habits can affect the bite, when it's worth paying closer attention, and some gentle ways to help your child let the habit go.
Why children suck their thumb or dummy
Babies are born with a sucking reflex. It's one of the first ways they settle themselves, explore their world and feel secure. Sucking on fingers or thumbs is healthy and normal when children are very young, but can cause problems if it continues.
Children usually stop thumb and finger sucking between two and four years of age. For most kids, this is simply a stage they grow out of on their own, without any help needed from you at all.
Do dummies affect teeth the same way as thumb sucking?
This is one of the questions we hear most often, and the honest answer is: in similar ways, yes. Sucking a dummy, thumb or finger can cause changes to the teeth and jaws if it becomes a long-term habit.
There are a couple of practical differences worth knowing. One is around hygiene and safety, since dummies should be kept clean and never dipped in anything sweet, because this raises the risk of tooth decay on the front teeth. The other is about breaking the habit itself, which we'll come to further down.
What can happen with a long-term habit
The main concern dentists look out for is a change in the way the teeth meet, called the bite. The upper front teeth may be pushed further forward than is ideal, or the top and bottom front teeth may not touch.
This second pattern has a name. An open bite is when the top and bottom front teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed, and if there is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth where the tongue could poke through, this could be an open bite.
These changes can also affect how some sounds are spoken, since a dummy or thumb in the mouth can get in the way of the tongue movements needed for clear speech.
When should you start to worry?
Timing matters more than most people realise. The earlier a child stops sucking, the more likely their teeth and jaws will correct the growth problems naturally.
So a two or three year old with a thumb habit usually isn't something to lose sleep over. The bigger question is what happens as your child gets closer to school age, because finger or thumb sucking should stop before school age to avoid mouth problems.
If the habit is still strong once your child's adult teeth start coming through, that's when the risk of lasting changes to the bite goes up. If you're ever unsure where your own child sits, it's worth asking at a check-up rather than guessing. Our children's dentistry appointments include a look at how the teeth and jaws are developing, and we'll let you know honestly if there's anything worth keeping an eye on.
Gentle ways to help your child stop
Nagging, shaming or punishing rarely works, and it can make a child cling to the habit harder as a source of comfort. Gentle, steady encouragement tends to work far better. Some approaches that genuinely help include:
- Talking with your child about why it's good to keep their thumb or dummy out of their mouth, in simple, positive words
- Using a reward chart or small praise each time you notice them going without it
- Limiting dummy use to sleep times only, then gradually easing off that too
- Offering a toy, cuddle or activity as a distraction when you notice the habit starting
- Being patient, since the first few days of cutting back are usually the hardest
If these steps don't make much difference, it's worth having a chat with your dentist. We can talk it through with you and your child in a way that doesn't feel like a lecture, just honest, practical support.
What we check at a dental visit
When you bring your child in, we look at how their teeth are coming through, how their bite is lining up, and whether a sucking habit seems to be having any effect. Most of the time, this is simply reassurance.
If we do notice something worth watching, we'll explain exactly what we're seeing and why, and talk through the options with you before anything happens. There's no pressure to act immediately, and every treatment plan and its costs are explained clearly first. If a bite issue needs more specialised attention than general dental care can offer, we can refer you to an orthodontist, who may suggest options such as clear aligners depending on your child's age and needs. You can read more about how we approach this on our orthodontics page.
Bring your health fund card along to any visit. Most private health fund rebates are claimed on the spot through HICAPS, and you simply pay the gap.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should thumb sucking stop?
Most children stop thumb and finger sucking somewhere between two and four years of age on their own. If the habit is still going strong as your child nears school age, it's a good time to start gently encouraging them to stop, since this is when the risk to the bite tends to increase.
Will my child's teeth go back to normal once they stop?
It depends on the child and how long the habit went on for. The younger a child stops sucking a dummy, thumb or finger, the more likely their teeth and jaws will correct any related growth problems naturally. Results vary from person to person, so a dental check is the best way to know what's happening with your own child.
Is dummy sucking easier to stop than thumb sucking?
Many parents find it is, because a dummy can be put away or gradually reduced by an adult, where a thumb is always right there. Either way, patience and gentle encouragement work better than trying to force it.
Should I take my child to the dentist just for thumb sucking?
Yes, if you have any concerns at all, or if your child is getting close to school age and still has the habit. A quick check gives you peace of mind and lets us flag early if anything about the bite needs watching. You can find answers to more common questions on our FAQ page.
Can thumb sucking affect speech as well as teeth?
It can in some cases, particularly if a dummy or thumb is in the mouth often during the toddler years when speech sounds are developing. If you notice any speech concerns alongside the sucking habit, it's worth mentioning both at your child's next dental visit.
A calm, local approach to thumb sucking and teeth
Most children who suck their thumb or use a dummy grow out of it with no lasting effect on their teeth at all. For the families where it goes on a little longer, a relaxed chat with your dentist is usually all it takes to understand what's going on and what, if anything, needs attention.
At Eglinton Dental Care, we keep things simple: modern dentistry with a gentle touch, honest advice, and no pressure. We explain each step as we go, and if your child feels nervous about the visit, we'll work at their pace throughout. If you'd like to bring your child in for a check-up, you can choose a time online or call our team on 08 9564 1007. You'll find us at 1K Imperial Entrance, Eglinton, and for details on getting in touch, our contact and FAQ information is easy to find. To book directly, you can also use our online booking page any time.
