As little ones grow, parents encounter many developmental behaviors, including thumb sucking. This can be worrying because it may affect teeth or facial development and become a long-term habit. In this article, ABC the Baby shares practical tips to help your child reduce thumb sucking.
Why Do Young Children Suck Their Thumbs?
Thumb sucking is usually normal as children develop physically and emotionally. Sucking is a natural reflex present even in the womb and helps children feel secure, calm and relaxed, especially when sleepy, tired or anxious. Most gradually stop on their own as they grow, according to HealthyChildren.org (AAP). If you are concerned, consider consulting a professional for guidance and management advice.
What Are the Drawbacks of Thumb Sucking?
Parents may wonder whether thumb sucking has any benefits. Like many behaviors, it has two sides, although the drawbacks can be greater. Possible effects include:
- Dental problems: Frequent or prolonged thumb sucking can cause overlapping, crowded or misaligned teeth, potentially requiring dental treatment later.
- Social effects: Although social concerns may seem far away for a young child, without gentle help to stop as they grow, thumb sucking may become a lasting habit. This may affect relationships with peers and how others perceive the child.
- Infection risk: Thumb sucking can carry germs into the body, particularly when hands are unclean.
When Should You Begin to Worry?
Sucking is normal and common from birth to age 2. However, if dental problems arise or a child continues beyond age 3, consult a dentist. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that continued sucking after permanent teeth begin emerging can affect tooth alignment and the roof of the mouth, especially with vigorous sucking.
5 Ways to Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking
1. Understand Your Child's Thumb Sucking
Building understanding between parents and children takes patience and gentleness. For example, if you remove your child's finger from their mouth, do it gently and explain through age-appropriate communication.
2. Stay Calm When Your Child Sucks Their Thumb
Try not to react angrily, as this can cause stress and resistance. Communicate calmly instead. Praise your child when they are not sucking their thumb, or try a sticker chart with small rewards, which works better than scolding or punishment (read 2 Ways to Talk with Children and Build Positive Family Communication).
3. Redirect Their Attention
When you notice your child starting to suck their thumb, offer another activity, such as storytelling or toys that require both hands, to help them focus on something else.
4. Clean Their Hands Regularly
Cleaning hands does not stop thumb sucking, but regular handwashing and short nails help keep hands clean and reduce the germs entering the body.
5. Consult a Dentist
As mentioned, continued thumb sucking as your child grows can affect dental development. Take your child to a dentist for a check and a shared plan to address the habit.
ABC the Baby hopes these tips help families with thumb sucking. Try not to worry excessively: it is not a serious behavior and is a natural experience for many parents and children. Dental health is one area to watch. If you are deciding between a pacifier and thumb sucking, read Pacifiers: Benefits, Drawbacks and Age-Appropriate Choices.