Does your child suck their thumb? Are you concerned they are doing it longer than you would expect? A child sucking thumb or fingers past the usual age can have a reason behind it. This post explains why sucking habits may last longer than expected and when to look for help.
Is a Child Sucking Thumb Ever Normal?
Yes. It is normal for a baby to put things in their mouth to learn and explore. However, after 12 months this should start to decrease. If sucking habits continue past 15 months, there may be an underlying issue. If sucking or mouthing habits are still present at 3 years of age, it is important to look for the cause.
Why Does a Child Keep Sucking Their Thumb?
Tongue Position
The tongue should rest lightly suctioned to the roof of the mouth. If it does not rest there, the body may try to fill the space with other things, such as a thumb, fingers, or a blanket.
Airway and Breathing
Sucking brings the tongue down and forward and moves the lower jaw forward, which helps open the airway. When the tongue rests low in the mouth, it sits further back toward the airway. As a result, sucking can open the airway and let the body get more oxygen.
The Feel-Good Response
Sucking habits often start and continue because they feel good. Pressure on the roof of the mouth, where the tongue is meant to rest, can release chemicals that help us feel happier and calmer. This is also why thumb sucking can be a soothing response.
What Are the Effects of Prolonged Thumb Sucking?
Unfortunately, long-lasting sucking habits can have side effects. The pressure from a thumb or fingers can change facial growth and development. When the tongue rests low, it does not help keep the palate wide. This can lead to a narrow or high palate, an overjet, or an underbite.
When the anatomy changes, oral function and breathing can get worse. A narrow palate can mean a narrow airway. In addition, a narrow palate and airway can raise the risk of sleep-disordered breathing and mouth breathing. Our post on sleep-disordered breathing explains the signs.
Get Help for Thumb-Sucking Habits at ETLC
If your child has a prolonged sucking habit, find an airway-centered team to support you both. If there are concerns about sleep-disordered breathing or a narrow palate, other professionals will likely need to be involved in addition to a myofunctional therapist. For any concerns, please reach out to us for a myofunctional evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a child stop sucking their thumb?
Sucking should start to decrease after 12 months. If it continues past 15 months, or is still present at 3 years, it is worth looking for an underlying cause.
Why is my child sucking their thumb so much?
Common reasons include tongue position, airway and breathing needs, and the soothing feel-good response. Because these reasons can overlap, a myofunctional evaluation can help sort them out.
Can thumb sucking change my child’s mouth and face?
It can. Long-lasting habits may change facial growth and palate shape, which can affect breathing. Early support can help.
How ETLC Can Help
If your child has a long-lasting sucking habit, our myofunctional therapists can evaluate and guide next steps. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about myofunctional therapy at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children
- What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
- What Is an Oral Mechanism Exam?
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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