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17Apr

Thumb Sucking

by admin

What is Thumb Sucking?

Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, which can cause them to put their thumbs or fingers into their mouths — sometimes even before birth. Because thumb sucking makes babies feel secure, some babies might eventually develop a habit of thumb sucking when they’re in need of soothing or going to sleep. Thumb sucking can be a difficult habit for a child to break. Understand what you can do to help your child stop sucking his or her thumb.

How long does thumb sucking usually last?

Many children stop sucking their thumbs on their own, often by age 6 or 7 months or between ages 2 and 4.
But even a child who’s stopped sucking his or her thumb might go back to the behavior during times of stress. Thumb sucking isn’t usually a concern until a child’s permanent teeth come in.

At this point, thumb sucking might begin to affect the roof of the mouth (palate) or how the teeth line up. The risk of dental problems is related to how often, how long, and how intensely your child sucks on his or her thumb.

How can you help overcome the habit of Thumb sucking?

Sometimes paying no attention to thumb sucking is enough to stop the behavior —

especially if your child uses thumb sucking to get attention. If ignoring it isn’t effective, try one of these techniques:

  • Use positive reinforcement. Praise your child or provide small rewards — such as an extra bedtime story or a trip to the park — when he or she isn’t thumb-sucking. Set attainable goals, such as no thumb sucking an hour before bed.
  • Identify triggers. If your child sucks his or her thumb in response to stress, identify the real issue and provide comfort in other ways — such as with a hug or reassuring words.
  • Offer gentle reminders. If your child sucks his or her thumb without thought — rather than as a way to get attention — gently remind him or her to stop. Don’t scold, criticize or ridicule your child.
  • Strategies such as covering your thumb with fabric or with a foul-tasting substance may work.
  • Visit your Dentist and provide counseling about the bad outcomes of Thumb sucking habit to your child from time to time.

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