Thumb sucking is a common behavior among babies and young children. It’s a natural reflex that often starts in the womb and can continue well into the toddler years. While it may seem concerning to parents, especially if it persists for a long time, thumb-sucking is usually a sign of self-soothing and can even help children cope with anxiety or stress.
Most babies suck their thumbs for a few minutes before bed as a way to comfort themselves and fall asleep more easily. This can be a helpful tool for parents, allowing children to regulate their emotions and self-soothe when needed.
If you’re worried about your child’s thumb-sucking habit, here are five important things to keep in mind:
- Usually, thumb-sucking goes away on its own
For most children, thumb-sucking is a phase that they naturally outgrow by the age of four. This often happens when they start kindergarten and become more self-conscious about the habit. If your child is still sucking their thumb by age three, it’s a good idea to start encouraging them to find other ways to self-soothe. If the habit persists beyond age four, it may be time to seek help from a professional.
- Bite problems can result from persistent thumb sucking
While thumb sucking is a normal behavior, it can cause problems if it continues for too long or if the child is particularly forceful. Over time, persistent thumb sucking can alter the growth pattern of the jaw, push the upper teeth forward, and cause an open bite. In severe cases, it can even lead to misaligned teeth that require orthodontic treatment to correct.
The severity of these issues depends on how often and how forcefully the child sucks their thumb. If you’re concerned about the impact of thumb-sucking on your child’s dental health, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist.
- Positive reinforcement can be employed to help break the habit
If you want to help your child break the thumb-sucking habit, using positive reinforcement rather than punishment or criticism is important. Scolding or shaming a child for sucking their thumb is unlikely to be effective and may even cause them to become more secretive about the behavior.
Instead, try praising your child when they don’t suck their thumb and offering rewards for going a certain amount of time without doing it. Avoid sugary treats, as these can be bad for dental health. Instead, focus on engaging activities like puzzles, games, or bedtime stories to keep your child’s hands and mind occupied.
It’s also helpful to identify any triggers that may be causing your child to suck their thumb, such as stress or boredom, and find alternative ways to comfort them in those situations.
- Thumb sucking can be discouraged by a dental appliance
In some cases, a dental appliance called a tongue crib may be recommended to help break the thumb-sucking habit. This device fits over the roof of the mouth and has a metal grate that makes it difficult to suck the thumb. It’s designed to discourage the behavior and retrain the tongue to rest in a better position.
Your dentist may also recommend a tongue crib to help correct any issues with tongue posture or positioning that may have developed as a result of prolonged thumb sucking.
- Ask your dentist for advice
As a parent, your child’s health is always a top priority. If you’re concerned about your child’s thumb-sucking habit, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.
Conclusion
At Carrum Downs Dental Group, our experienced dentists can guide the best ways to help your child break the thumb-sucking habit and maintain good oral health. We understand that every child is unique and will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your family’s needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile.
