Help your Child Kick the Thumb Sucking Habit
Thumb sucking is a concern many parents have. Toddlers suck their thumbs because it’s comforting, calming and they also to it when they are nervous, agitated, scared or ill. They may also use it to lull themselves back to sleep in the middle of the night.
Parents shouldn’t concern themselves unless it continues after the age their permanent teeth begin to appear, around six years old. Experts say that it’s the intensity of the thumb sucking and the tongue’s thrust that deforms teeth and makes braces necessary later. Children who rest their thumb passively in their mouth are less likely to have difficulty than children who suck aggressively. If you’re concerned, closely monitor your child and analyze his technique. If they appear to be sucking vigorously, you may want to begin curbing their habit earlier.
Punishing or nagging your child to stop won’t help because it’s usually an automatic response. Put an elastic bandage on his thumb or another method will seem like unjust punishment, especially since they indulge in the habit for comfort and security.
Children usually give up thumb-sucking when they’ve found other ways to calm and comfort themselves. Try to offering them other alternatives to comfort themselves such as a soft blanket or lullaby toy.
If they sucking while they are tired, try giving more naps. If they suck their thumb frequently while watching television, try to distract them with a toy that will keep their hands occupied.
Older children may need gentle reminders to stop thumb sucking, so give them praise if they use other alternative to calm themselves. Your child’s pediatric dentist can offer other suggestions for helping your child kick the thumb sucking habit.
