How to stop the habit of thumb sucking in kids
How to stop the habit of thumb sucking in kids
Is this habit harmful?
The effect of this habit on teeth and face depends on the intensity with which the child sucks on the thumb.If the thumb is just kept in the mouth passively then there are less chances of having problems compared to a child who vigorously sucks the thumb.
What happens if the habit continues ?
Thumb sucking can lead to difigurative changes in the bones of the face,roof of the mouth and alignment of upper and lower teeth leading to-
- An excessive gap between the upper and lower front teeth such that the child will find it difficult to bite on things like apple and pizza.
Anterior open bite: A condition where the upper front teeth begin to tip in the forward direction and lower front teeth tip in the direction of the tongue.
Anterior open bite: A condition where the upper front teeth begin to tip in the forward direction and lower front teeth tip in the direction of the tongue.
Changes in the roof of the mouth : The roof of the mouth can become narrow and v shaped as well as concave.This can lead to collapsed teeth which will come in cross bite with the lower teeth depending on the intensity and the duration for which the child sucks on the thumb.
Changes in the roof of the mouth : The roof of the mouth can become narrow and v shaped as well as concave.This can lead to collapsed teeth which will come in cross bite with the lower teeth depending on the intensity and the duration for which the child sucks on the thumb.
Problems with the thumb : Vigorous or long-term thumb sucking can change the shape of the thumb, making it thinner or elongated.It can also dry out the skin of the thumb, causing it to crack, bleed, or become infected.Long-term thumb sucking can also cause calluses to form on the thumb.- Difficulty in pronunciation: Open bite due to thumb sucking can lead to lisping in speech.
Problems with the thumb : Vigorous or long-term thumb sucking can change the shape of the thumb, making it thinner or elongated.It can also dry out the skin of the thumb, causing it to crack, bleed, or become infected.Long-term thumb sucking can also cause calluses to form on the thumb.How do I help my child break this habit?
- Find the cause of anxiety.
Usually when the child is stressed or anxious they start sucking on the thumb or fingers to soothe and comfort themselves.Observe your child and find out patterns in her habit, try to find the cause of their anxiety and address it.
- Positive reinforcement
Praise your child when he doesn’t suck on the thumb.Encourage her more and more with positive words so that they feel confident about it.
- Show and tell
Ask the child to sit in front of the mirror while he is sucking of the thumb and show them how they look.Ask them do you like yourself while you are sucking on the thumb?Most likely the child will answer a no and will stop sucking when this is continued.
What is thumb sucking ?
Thumb sucking or sucking on fingers is a natural reflex that babies have to soothe themselves and make them feel secure.It also helps them learn how to accept nourishment.
Till what age is thumb sucking normal?
Usually the habit of sucking on fingers and thumb is normal till the child turns 4-4.5 years of age.Most of the kids stop the habit on their own once they reach the school going age.It is important that the child should stop before the permanent teeth erupt.A certain percentage of kids keep on sucking their thumb well into adulthood and this can lead to permanent changes in the teeth and bones of the face.
My child is older than 7 years of age,he still sucks on his thumb what should i do?
- As the child gets older it becomes difficult to leave the habit of thumb sucking.Parents can try home remedies such as application of a bitter solution on the thumb,bandaging the thumb or covering the hand with a sock before sleeping.All these method serve as negative reinforcement for the kid as they cut the pleasure a child derives out of sucking the thumb.
We have tried every home remedy to make the child stop sucking on thumb but my child still continues to suck on her thumb.
If nothing has worked till now then it’s time for you to visit a dentist.Your dentist can make customised habit breaking appliance which can be fixed inside the mouth.These devices are made after taking measurements of the upper teeth and are to be worn for a period of 4-6 months.
What is a habit breaking appliance?
Habit breaking appliance can be made in many designs,however the most successful one for a kid in the age range of 8-12 years is a bluegrass appliance.This appliance has a roller which is attached to a wire.
The child is asked to roll the roller with the tongue or the thumb whenever there is an urge to suck on the thumb.With time the habit of playing with the bead/roller replaces the habit of sucking on the thumb.
Is it a painful procedure?
Absolutely not.There is no pain involved here.We just use a dental cement and fix the appliance in the mouth.Its very smooth and polished and does not hurt the cheek or the tongue.
When is it removed then?
The appliance is removed once the child completely stops taking the thumb inside the mouth for at least two months.
For more information you can write to us at facekraftclinicjaipur@gmail.com or you can call us on 7023271994. Dr Prateek jain is a dentist in Malviya Nagar Jaipur and he has been helping kids break their habit of thumb sucking for more than 10 years now.