The Finger or Thumb Sucking Habit

Thumb or finger sucking is nothing to worry about if your child is still an infant. Dr. Patel will tell you that in most cases, children outgrow the habit by two years of age. If thumb sucking continues past 5 or 6 years, however, thumb sucking can cause serious problems. Your child’s teeth may not come in straight and his mouth can actually become malformed leading to bite and speech problems.

If your child is above two years old and still thumb sucking, Dr. Patel and his knowledgeable staff can give suggestions on how to help your child stop the habit. Please call our Buffalo Grove office at (888) 485-7743 for more information or to make an appointment with Prashant Patel, D.D.S.