Thumb sucking, finger sucking, and pacifier use are habits common in many children. Nearly one-third of all children suck on their thumbs, fingers, or pacifiers in their first year of life. Thumb sucking, finger sucking, and pacifier use can lead to many oral developmental issues that negatively affect the development of the mouth. These habits can cause problems with the proper alignment of teeth and can even affect the roof of the mouth.
Boredom, anxiety, anger, hunger, or even sadness can all cause children to suck on their fingers for comfort. Children mostly suck on their fingers for comfort from an uncomfortable emotional state or stressful situation.
If your child hasn’t stopped sucking their fingers by age 5, then you must wean them from the habit so that they can develop a healthy young smile. By 5 years of age, your child’s mouth will be rapidly developing and thumb sucking, finger sucking, or pacifier use can interfere with that process.