It’s no secret that sucking on a pacifier or thumb can have a negative impact on your child’s teeth. But just like any habit, it can be very hard to stop. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to help them fight that urge.
Did you know babies begin sucking their thumb in the womb? No wonder it’s so hard to stop for some little ones. There are some benefits to thumb sucking, however, such as the soothing effect it has on a child and that it teaches them self-comforting techniques. Overall, this habit does not really begin to pose problems until the child’s permanent teeth begin to grow in.
Always consult your pediatrician, but most experts suggest children should be curbed of thumb sucking once their permanent teeth begin to come in especially if they are aggressive suckers. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, thumb sucking puts pressure on the sides of the upper jaw and the soft tissue on the roof of their mouth. This can cause the upper jaw to narrow, and the teeth will not meet properly.
Once you decide to begin weaning your child off thumb sucking the key is to be patient and remember they didn’t start this over-night, so it will take time to stop. Here are some other things to try:
Help your child understand why they need to stop sucking their thumb. Don’t belittle them by saying things like “sucking your thumb is for babies,” but instead encourage them by saying things like “Do you think that Doc McStuffins sucks her thumb?” Use your little one’s heroes to encourage positive change.
A funny thing about habits is that we hardly notice when we’re doing them. Ask any nail bitter or leg shaker and they will tell you one of the hardest things when it comes to quitting is recognize when they’re performing the offense to begin with. Luckily, your child has you there to gently remind them when they are sucking so that they can stop.
Use distractions, especially things that require both hands. Felt books and coloring come in handy, literally.
Just like learning anything new or breaking any habit, positive reinforcement is highly effective. Instead of telling your child that they cannot suck their thumb any longer, congratulate them anytime they are not sucking.
Some people believe using something unpleasant on their thumb is cruel. This is a matter of opinion but if you do choose to use something like bitter vinegar or spicy chili flakes, remember you are forcing your child to stop doing something comforting by making them uncomfortable which could backfire.
Recognize when your child is sucking their thumb simply for attention. It sounds silly to an adult, but children know what things they do that get your attention. If you suspect they are doing this, then ignore them and see if this reduces the offending habit.
Sucking their thumb is a tool your child uses to ease stress and anxiety, so try to limit thumb sucking to times that are more stressful than passive. For example, your child may not be allowed to suck while at home but it’s okay when you go out.
Have a professional step in. Sometimes, especially the older your child gets, the warnings you give just don’t carry the weight they used to. Ask your child’s dentist to explain to them the importance of giving up thumb sucking. Someone who looks official can often have a bigger impact than you.
Remember that, unless your pediatrician suggests a need to break the habit sooner, your child will eventually stop sucking sooner or later. After all, how many adults do you see sucking their thumb?
