Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
A Teen That Sucks Her Thumb | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
A close, 17-year-old friend of mine confided in me that she still sucks her thumb. I find this unusual and not normal. I was wondering if there is anything I can do to help her to stop and what, if any, problems this could cause. She says that she only does it when she's at home and at night when sleeping. This came as a shock to me because I spend a lot of time with her and I thought that this is something that would have been obvious. She says that she never even thinks about sucking her thumb when she is out and about. Is this normal? If you could please help by providing me with a few suggestions for her, I would appreciate it greatly. Thank you.— Sarah in Ohio | | | ANSWER |
July 23, 2001 | | | Dear Sarah,
Actually, it's not so unusual for teenagers and even adults to suck their thumbs. If they do it a lot, they could develop orthodontic problems (over time, the thumb pushes the top teeth out, creating "buck" teeth and an overbite.) Otherwise, there isn't any major problem associated with thumb-sucking, particularly if a person controls it and doesn't let it happen when it might be embarrassing.
If the habit doesn't cause a problem, there's really no good reason for a person to change it. Of course, some people will want to stop thumb-sucking because they think it is babyish, but for others, it's simply a pleasant thing they do sometimes.
Before you go about helping your friend, talk with her about the thumb-sucking, and ask her in particular whether she sees it as a problem, and wants to stop. Don't assume the answer will be "yes."
If she does want to stop, she can talk with her doctor (pediatrician or family doctor), and get some pointers. Sometimes a highly motivated person can stop on her own; sometimes it takes more help. You can see more about thumb sucking, and how to stop it, on our site.— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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