Thumb and Finger Sucking

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Although the incidence of thumb sucking in developed countries has declined in recent years, it remains a common behavior. Several related habits—thumb sucking, finger sucking, and pacifier use—are considered forms of nonnutritive sucking. Rates of nonnutritive sucking have varied over time. Studies in the past suggested as many as 70% to 90% of children engaged in such behavior, with digit sucking more common than pacifier use. Currently, pacifier use is more prevalent.

Thumb sucking is present in fetal life and has been noted at 29 weeks’ gestation. Recent studies have found finger-sucking behaviors …