Thumb sucking as an adult

An adult might suck their thumb because of stress, anxiety, or age regression. Over time, this habit may cause blisters or problems with the teeth. Many children stop sucking their thumb at a young age. However, some people continue to suck their thumbs into adolescence or adulthood. In this article, we will discuss the causes and effects of adult thumb sucking and look at how someone can stop sucking their thumb.

Do you remember when you stopped sucking your thumb? As Johns Hopkins Medicine points out, thumb sucking is a common childhood habit that starts early. Nearly nine out of 10 babies start to suck on their thumb or another part of their hands just hours after birth. For some people, the behavior continues through adulthood. While thumb sucking isn't an issue in babies or young children, adult thumb sucking may be embarrassing and in some cases may pose oral health problems. Whether you're an adult who sucks their thumb or know someone who does, here's what you need to know about the habit and how to address it.

Thumb sucking is a natural, reflexive behavior that helps infants soothe themselves and learn how to accept nourishment. The majority of newborns demonstrate thumb, finger, or toe sucking behaviors within hours after birth. Many even sucked their thumbs in utero.

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