Why do children suck on fingers, and other objects?

This type of sucking is normal and provides security for babies and young children. For young babies it is a way of contact with the world as part of the learning process.

Are these habits bad for the teeth and jaws?

Most children stop these habits on their own before four years of age. No harm is done to their teeth or jaws. However, if children continue to suck on their fingers or other objects pass age four it might cause the upper front teeth and the upper jaw to tip forward.

When should parents worry about a sucking habit?

When the sucking habit continue for pass age four, it is important to have the case checked by a pediatric dentist to watch the child teeth and jaws. For most children there is nothing to worry about since most children quit these habits before that age.

What could be done to stop the habit?

If the child continue to suck on fingers and other objects, parents and dentist should work together on encouraging and the child to stop, dentist can talk and show the child what could happen if the habit continue. If this approach doesn’t work, a special appliance might be recommended to stop the sucking habits.