Don’t they look adorable when they do it! Thumb-sucking is a common pastime among kids. It is likewise referred to as non-nutritive sucking & has many benefits like helping control emotions, offering consolation and security allows the kid to relax and focus.

Generally, the urge to suck their thumb reduces as the kids get older. However, for a few, it turns into a dependency and continues after the infant years. Most kids prevent the habit on their very own between 2 and 4 while many hold it longer.

Acceptable age

According to the American Dental Association, parents can consider thumb sucking harmless until the age of four after which they are supposed to discourage it if the child does not stop thumb sucking by then.

Effects of thumb sucking

1. Teeth-related changes: The front teeth of the upper jaw can protrude out because of which the bite will open which means that there will be a gap between the upper and lower front teeth even when the back teeth are in contact with each other.

The changes in the underlying jaw bone can disturb the alignment of the permanent teeth.

2. Psychological trauma: The child may experience a psychological setback when friends make fun of the child due to the thumb sucking habit.
3. Speech: The child may experience difficulties in pronouncing the consonants like T & D.

Steps to stop the child from thumb sucking :

• Introducing a pacifier to infants may help them switch easily from thumb sucking.
• For tracking, a chart may be made and rewards can be given on occasions when the kid did not indulge in the habit.
• Scolding or nagging can never give a positive outcome in the long run. Hence, it should be avoided.
• If the child has been found thumb sucking as a way to cope with stress or fear, as parents, you should be able to identify it and offer a healthier coping mechanism like holding a favourite toy.
• In some cases, bitter food products like a safe tide or bitter gourd juice have been used by applying on the thumb to discourage the child from indulging in thumb sucking.
• Covering the thumb with a band-aid, gloves, mittens, or hand puppets is another simple way of keeping the child distracted from his thumb.

Feel free to approach your dentist who can help the child quit thumb sucking through dental appliances like a thumb sucking guard or thumb cap.

Conclusion

Just like quitting any other habit, stopping of thumb sucking habit does not happen overnight. Your child will need some time and a lot of your love and patience in his journey. You should educate, motivate, and offer an effective and supportive environment. The teachers play an important role in identifying the habit and helping the child come out of it as schools are considered children’s second homes. You can also take their help if required to help your child quit thumb sucking. Consult your dentist to know more about thumb sucking and the approach that suits your child the best.