Can sucking fingers harm a baby's teeth? our two year old daughter sucks her middle two fingers all the time, and we're concerned that it might cause her teeth to come in crooked or incorrectly. is this something we only need to worry about if she's still

At : At two she's a little young to be overly concerned, but as she gets older and a bit more mature the habit could cause some problems, especially as her permanent teeth are about to erupt. Excessive sucking can splay the maxillary anterior teeth forward, and in certain cases, remodel the palate (roof of her mouth) into a more narrow arch form. The below link is an excellent article from the american dental association.

As : As mentioned previously, the biggest concern over finger sucking is affecting overall growth and development of the jaws. While many kids do it, i usually tell parents that finger habits are normal to a point, but they should cease by age 4 to minimize the chances of the fingers in the mouth causing distortion to formation of the upper jaw. However, the earlier they stop, certainly the better! i would work with her to discourage the habit now if possible, but do not put too much undue pressure at this point if you do not see success. If it persists over the next few years with no sign of ceasing, then speaking to your pediatric dentist for suggestions or intervention would be advised.

I : I would like to add one point to the previous excellent responses. Sucking two fingers is actually less damaging than a thumb sucking habit. That is because the two fingers bend at the knuckles allowing the child's arm to rest on the chest. The thumb does not bend that way so the entire weight of the arm gets levered up against the roof of the mouth and back against the lower front teeth.

Dilemma: The dilemma with attempting to elicit compliance from young children is that they are unable to rationalize until near age 7. Therefore, they don't understand why you're asking them to give up something pleasurable and comforting.

@ 2, let them be: Kids need to pacify themselves. Sometimes an object, sometimes a finger or two or a thumb. If it is occurring at this age, leave them be. They psychologically need it. It will very likely subside as peer pressure enters into the equation. If after 5 it does not abate, small measures can be taken, but too early an intervention may have implications far beyond dental.

Yes, but...: Pacifier easier to get rid of than digits. Digit habit can cause malpositioned teeth and/or misshapen jaws. At 2, however, habit is needed for soothing. Will probably diminish with age and peer pressure. If still present at 4, begin to gently try to wean her off her fingers.