Why Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a comforting experience for young children. Infants, babies and young children use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It makes them feel secure and happy and provides a sense of security. Your child may also use the relaxing feeling from sucking his/her thumb to help him/her fall asleep.
Dental Issues With Thumb Sucking
Children sometimes stop sucking their thumb on their own, usually between the ages of two and four. However, if it continues after the eruption of their permanent teeth, it could cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.
Pacifiers are not a substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult with us at your next visit.
A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb sucking:
- Try not to scold your child for sucking his/her thumb. An alternative is to praise them when they don’t.
- Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause
of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking. - Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide comfort.
- Reward your child when he refrains from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents.
- Dr. Matthews will encourage your child to stop sucking his/her thumb and explain what could happen if they continue.
- A friendly reminder for your child can often help if they want to stop the habit. Try placing a Band-Aid on the thumb or fingers after school and a glove that is difficult to remove at night.
- A point chart can be encouraging for young children. They can earn a point for each time they refrain from sucking. Think about rewards on a daily or weekly basis when they rack up certain amount of points.If these ideas don’t work, we will be happy to work with you and your child to help break the thumb sucking habit.