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Thumb-sucking 
Thumb-sucking or finger-sucking is a habit that occurs with
many infants. Your child will usually give it up naturally by the age of
four. If the sucking habit continues beyond the time when permanent teeth
start to erupt, your child may develop crooked teeth and a malformed palate
(roof of the mouth). This results from pressure applied by the thumb on the
teeth and roof of the mouth. The severity of the problem depends on
frequency, intensity, duration and also the position in which the thumb is
placed in the mouth. The relationship between the upper and lower jaws may
also be affected. Speech defects can occur from malaligned teeth resulting
from thumbsucking and/or
finger-sucking.
Treatment:
- The best
prevention is to get your newborn to take up the pacifier instead of
thumbsucking or finger-sucking. (Although prolonged use of the pacifier
can lead to similar problems, it, at least, is not attached to the child
and can be removed.)
- Children should
be helped to give up the habit before they enter school to prevent
teasing.
- Timing of
treatment is important. Your child should be willing to give up
thumbsucking or finger-sucking. If your child is not willing to stop,
therapy is not usually indicated. Pressure you apply to stop may only lead
to resistance and lack of cooperation. Try again
later.
- Give your child
attention and understanding and gently discourage the habit. Reminders
such as a band-aid on the thumb can help.
- Offer rewards
(star on chart, dimes, extra story) for days when your child is
successful. Praise your child when successful.
After
daytime sucking is controlled:
- Help your child
to give up the sucking habit during sleep. This is usually an involuntary
process and a glove, sock, or thumb/finger guard can help stop the
habit.
- Take one step at
a time. Encourage your child not to suck during one daytime activity, like
storytime or television watching. Gradually add another activity until
daytime sucking is controlled.
- If these
considerations are not successful, see your dental professional or doctor
for further support. By the time your child's permanent teeth begin to
erupt (at around 6 years of age), it should be brought to their attention.
Your dental oral health professional may have other suggestions such as a
reminder bar that is placed in the upper mouth.
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