Some children find thumb sucking comforting. However, thumb sucking can put pressure on tiny teeth and start pushing them forward, which may lead to braces or tooth removal. So, if possible, it's best to avoid thumb sucking. But, as many parents know, it's a tough habit to break.

If your children suck their thumbs and you want them to stop, try talking with them about it. Work out a plan together for stopping. It's more than likely they'll know that they should try to stop. After that, make sure you call attention to it every time you notice your children thumb sucking - often they won't even realize they're doing it.

Here are a couple of other ideas that might help...

• Make a weekly chart where they get a sticker for every day (or few hours) that they manage without thumb sucking. Then once they've got enough stickers, give them a reward.
• Share your concern with your dentist at the next check up and get the dentist to explain how thumb sucking might mean braces later. It might sink in more coming from the dentist!