Thumb Sucking And Binky Wearing

Did you know that every child is born with the need to suck? Thumb sucking and binky sucking habits are normal behaviors for children to soothe themselves.

But the question we hear all the time is: when do I need to stop my child!

As the child grows, the comforting habit can begin to cause more harm than good. While it is completely natural for children to engage in thumb sucking during the first few years of life, prolonging the habit can do damage to the jaw’s growth pattern. Dr. Hough recommends completely stopping the habit by age 4, and limiting the habit to nap and bedtime by age 3. If you have any questions or concerns, remember, our initial consultation and exam or complimentary, and you can always call us at the office!