The lines of concern on the faces or foreheads of the parents are often visible when they see their children thumbsucking or wanting to have pacifier in the mouth. Often worried about affects on teeth, parents sometimes try to prevent their children from sucking their thumb or using a pacifier. The truth is that thumbsucking and using a pacifier are quite normal and most kids forego the habits long before any damage can be done to the jaw and teeth.

Ample proof exists in the medical science that embryos actually suck on their thumbs while in the mother's womb. Thumbsucking and pacifier use both help children become comfortable with their environment, as well as offer children a sense of security. Parents should not be upset over their child's need to suck their thumb or use a pacifier.

Any child psychologist consulted will tell you that sucking reflex is essential to infant survival. Often there are instances when many babies who do not have their sucking needs satisfied through feeding may begin to suck on their fingers. Children are emotionally attached to their parents and it is just an extension to suck on their thumb. This actually helps infants to make the emotional transition from dependence to independence with tangible comfort. This also brings a kind of a calming effect on the child.

It is only when thumbsucking becomes constant and aggressive that the habit may be difficult to break. Most children should grow out of thumbsucking and pacifier use by age 3 or 4. It is quite likely that damage may be done to permanent teeth when they begin to come in. The child may develop “buck-teeth” or openbite could be formed or have protruding upper teeth, needing long time in braces in later years. The child may also face certain medical problems associated with thumbsucking such as, infections on the thumb due to sores, multiple ulcers on the tongue, and flattening and wrinkling of the thumb.

Experts opine that parents should desist from nagging and scolding as it will make the child feel guilty and likely encourage the habit to continue. The use of force has never been known to work effectively. Simple explaining of future problems associated with thumbsucking drives home the message. Find ways for your child to be motivated. It may also be a realistic idea to use a bitter tasting herbal substance on the thumb. Enlist a professional if the habit continues beyond age 6.

Adult Thumbsucking: There is this common breed of adult thumbsuckers that exist in millions worldwide. A good percentage of such adults are even those who never had this habit in their childhood. Most of them you accidentally come across hiding their method of tension relief because of perceived and real social stigmas associated with this gentle habit. Psychological counseling is the best treatment for thumbsucking adults.