![suck your thumb suck your thumb](http://www.mommydds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/thumb-11.jpg)
Does thumb-sucking mess up children’s teeth?ĭon’t worry about thumb-sucking harming your child’s teeth or gums before the permanent teeth come in. Let’s take a look at three of the main concerns I hear from parents who want their child to stop thumb-sucking or carrying around a blankie or treasured lovey. Plenty of ultrasound images show babies with their thumbs in their mouths and their hands curled around their little faces.
![suck your thumb suck your thumb](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ojIPlz2xDc8/maxresdefault.jpg)
Thumb-sucking, in fact, often starts before birth. The security that kids get from thumb-sucking usually is more beneficial than perceived negative effects.
![suck your thumb suck your thumb](https://www.vedicus.com/assets/photos/large/thumb-sucking-causes-and-treatment.jpg)
The world can be a scary place for us adults, let alone our little ones. These childhood self-soothing techniques are nothing to be concerned about, and to be honest, may continue through grade school. If you’re worried that thumb-sucking will cause long-term dental problems or that your child will be carrying a threadbare blanket or tattered Teddy bear to their high school graduation, don’t be. I can’t tell you how many times in my 30 years as a doctor I’ve heard parents and caregivers say this to little ones who were sucking their thumbs or clutching security blankets. Pransky says it’s normal and nothing to worry about for most kids. Many kids suck their thumbs to self-soothe.