Thumb Sucking
Thumb And Finger Sucking Solutions For Your Child
Most babies and toddlers suck on their thumbs or fingers at some point. It is a natural reflex that helps them feel safe and secure. However, prolonged thumb and finger sucking can cause serious dental problems. Most children stop the behavior on their own around two to four years old. Children who continue this behavior past the age of four or five may require the help of a dental professional to stop.
Why Should Thumb Sucking Be Stopped?
Thumb sucking can be more harmful than you might think. The force and suction put pressure on the teeth and the roof of the mouth. It can cause:
Dr. Guthrie also considers the intensity of your child’s habit to determine if it is a problem. Gentle suckers are not likely to develop dental problems related to the habit. However, if your child is an aggressive or constant thumb-sucker, there is more of a concern that it will affect the teeth.
Supporting Your Child
As with any change in behavior, it is important to support and encourage your child throughout this process. In the beginning, provide intermittent praise when your child does not have their thumb or finger in their mouth. Do not overdo the praise, and do not point out when the child does have the thumb or finger in their mouth.
As your child begins using one of the thumb sucking solutions above, establish a rewards system. Each time you use a solution and they do not engage in the habit, give them a small reward. After a few weeks, provide them with a bigger and more memorable reward. If the solution does not work, talk to Dr. Guthrie about trying another method. If the solution does help your child to stop sucking their thumb or finger, they may have trouble sleeping or seem grumpy for a week or so. However, it will be worth it in the long run!
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Dr. Guthrie and her team are ready to provide you with top-notch dental services within a pristine and expertly managed setting. We aim to ensure that patients of all ages feel at ease and self-assured during their dental visits. Ready to schedule an appointment with JRFD?
