If your child sucks their thumb or uses a dummy, you’re in good company — it’s one of the most common and completely normal ways babies and young children soothe themselves. It’s not a sign of anything wrong, and it’s not something to worry about in the early years. This guide explains why these habits are so common, when they start to matter for developing teeth and jaws, and some gentle ways to help your child move on from the habit — ideally well before their adult teeth are due.
Why thumb-sucking and dummy use are so normal
Sucking is one of the very first skills babies develop — it’s how they feed, and it’s also a natural way to self-soothe. Many babies discover their thumb or a dummy as a source of comfort well before their first birthday, and lots of toddlers keep the habit going through the early years, especially at nap time, bedtime, or when they’re tired, unwell or a little anxious.
There’s nothing to be concerned about here in a baby or young toddler. These are healthy, expected habits in the early years, and most children have plenty of time to grow out of them without any lasting effect on their teeth — provided the habit doesn’t continue on intensely into the toddler and pre-school years.
When can it start to affect teeth and jaw development?
The things that matter most are how long, how often and how intensely a child sucks their thumb or dummy — and, importantly, how old they are while the habit continues.
Current dental guidance recommends aiming to stop non-nutritive sucking habits well before your child’s adult (permanent) teeth begin to come through — as a general guide, working towards stopping by around three years of age, with dummy use ideally limited or reduced from around 18 months, when the canine teeth start to emerge, as this can help lower the risk of a crossbite developing.
A gentle, occasional habit in a toddler is very different from an intense, frequent habit that continues on into the years when the permanent front teeth are due. Changes that appear while a habit continues in the baby teeth — such as the front teeth tipping forward, an open bite (where the front teeth don’t quite meet when the mouth is closed), or a narrower dental arch — will often settle on their own once the habit stops, particularly if it stops early. However, the longer an intense habit continues beyond the toddler years, and especially if it’s still going once the permanent front teeth start erupting, the more likely these changes are to become a lasting part of how the arches and bite have developed — sometimes needing orthodontic treatment to correct later on.
Every child is different, and not every child who sucks their thumb or a dummy will experience these changes — it depends on intensity, frequency, duration and individual growth. But the clear, general message is: earlier is better. It’s worth actively working towards helping your child stop well before their adult front teeth are due, rather than waiting to see what happens.
Signs it may be worth a check
You don’t need to act on your own judgement alone — that’s what we’re here for. It may be worth booking a check if:
- Your child is still sucking their thumb or a dummy intensely and frequently as they approach, or move beyond, the toddler years — particularly once their adult front teeth are starting to come through.
- You’ve noticed a change in how their front teeth line up, or a gap between the top and bottom teeth when they bite together.
- You’re finding it hard to help your child stop the habit and would like some support.
- You’re simply unsure and would like reassurance either way.
There’s no need to feel anxious about bringing this up — it’s one of the most common things parents ask us about, and we’re always happy to take a look, confirm where your child’s teeth are at, and talk through next steps.
Gentle, non-shaming ways to help an older child who wants to stop
If your child is a bit older and keen to stop — or you’d like to gently start encouraging it, ideally well before their adult front teeth are due — small, kind, low-pressure steps tend to work best. Habits like this are almost always about comfort, so the goal is to support your child, not to make them feel bad about something so normal.
Notice the triggers. Thumb-sucking and dummy use often ramp up around tiredness, boredom, anxiety or big transitions (like starting school or a new sibling arriving). Once you notice the pattern, you can offer comfort in another way at those moments — a cuddle, a favourite soft toy, or some quiet time together.
Praise and encourage, rather than scold. Positive reinforcement — a sticker chart, small rewards for stretches without the habit, or simply warm praise when you notice your child managing without it — tends to work far better than telling a child off. Scolding or shaming a child about thumb-sucking or dummy use can create stress around something that was only ever a comfort habit in the first place.
Involve your child in the plan. Children who feel some ownership over the decision to stop — choosing their own reward chart, or picking a “grown-up” replacement comfort item — often do better than children who feel it’s being imposed on them.
Go gradually where you can. For dummies, some families find it easier to start by limiting use to sleep times only, then gradually phase it out altogether, rather than stopping all at once.
Be patient with setbacks. It’s normal for progress to be up and down, especially during stressful periods. A gentle, consistent approach over time works better than pressure.
Consider support from an orofacial myologist. If your child is finding it hard to stop, particularly as they get closer to the age their adult front teeth are due, our orofacial myologists offer gentle, structured cessation programs designed to support children away from thumb-sucking and dummy habits — using positive, guided techniques rather than aversive ones. This can be a helpful next step if the strategies above haven’t been enough on their own.
Some families find that a taste deterrent (such as a bitter-tasting, child-safe nail polish for thumb-sucking) helps as part of a broader plan — but please talk to us first before trying anything like this, so we can make sure it’s an appropriate and safe option for your child.
How we help at Tooth Town
At a check-up, we’re always happy to have a look at your child’s bite and talk through whether a thumb-sucking or dummy habit is having any effect on their teeth, and whether it’s time to actively work on stopping. Most of the time, reassurance and a gentle plan at home is all that’s needed. For children who need extra support, we can also discuss a referral to one of our orofacial myologists for a structured cessation program. If we do notice changes to the bite or the way the teeth are lining up, we’ll explain what we’re seeing and, where relevant, ongoing bite or orthodontic concerns are reviewed as part of our early interceptive orthodontic care pathway. Nothing is decided or recommended until your child has been assessed in person.
Frequently asked questions
Is thumb-sucking or dummy use bad for my baby or toddler’s teeth?
No — in babies and young children, these are normal comfort habits and aren’t something to worry about. It’s the intensity, frequency and how long the habit continues — particularly once it runs into the years the adult front teeth are due — that can matter.
At what age should my child stop sucking their thumb or using a dummy?
Current dental guidance points to aiming to stop well before your child’s adult front teeth are due to come through — as a general guide, working towards stopping by around three years of age, with dummy use ideally limited from around 18 months. The longer an intense habit continues beyond the toddler years, the more likely it is to affect the permanent teeth and jaw growth in ways that don’t reverse on their own. If your child is finding it hard to stop, we’re happy to help.
Will my child need braces because of thumb-sucking?
Not necessarily. Whether a habit has affected the bite varies from child to child, and depends heavily on how long and how intensely the habit continued, and at what age. If we notice any changes, we’ll talk you through it, and ongoing orthodontic concerns are reviewed as part of our orthodontic care pathway.
Should I use something to stop my child sucking their thumb?
Positive, low-pressure approaches — noticing triggers, praise, and involving your child in the plan — are a good place to start. If you’re considering a taste deterrent or any other product, please speak with us first.
Can an orofacial myologist help my child stop thumb-sucking or dummy use?
Yes. Our orofacial myologists offer gentle, structured cessation programs designed to guide children away from the habit using positive techniques, rather than aversive ones. This can be a useful option alongside the strategies in this guide, particularly if your child is finding it hard to stop as they approach the age their adult teeth are due. Ask our team for more information.
Is a dummy better or worse than thumb-sucking?
Both are common, normal comfort habits, and the same general principles apply to each — frequency, intensity, duration and the age the habit continues to all matter more than which one your child prefers. We’re happy to discuss your child’s individual situation at a check-up.
Should I be worried if my older child still sucks their thumb?
Try not to panic, but it is worth actively addressing — plenty of children take a little longer to stop, and shaming a child about it rarely helps. If your child is past the age their adult front teeth are due and the habit is still intense or frequent, please book a check so we can have a look, offer guidance, and talk about options — including support from an orofacial myologist — to help your child move on from the habit.
What to do next
If you’re at all unsure whether your child’s thumb-sucking or dummy habit is something to actively work on stopping, the simplest next step is to bring it up at their next check-up, or book an appointment with our friendly Coorparoo team. We’re always glad to take a look, offer reassurance, and talk through gentle next steps together — including a referral to one of our orofacial myologists if that would help — without any judgement.
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s most appropriate for them.