“How do I stop my child from sucking their thumb/fingers?” is a common question we hear from our patients.
Stopping your child from thumb sucking can be very hard to do and we would love to say there was a definitive answer. Most children will not know they are doing it, or will do it whilst they are sleeping which makes it even harder. We will offer some ideas on this topic, and it is a case of seeing what works or doesn’t work for you.
The first point to make is that you should tackle this from as early an age as possible, preferably weaning off the thumb before the adult incisors come through (the 2 front teeth top and bottom). In doing so, you can minimise any effects the habit may impose on the line up of the adult teeth, hopefully decreasing the need for orthodontic intervention at a later stage.
The second point is to tackle this with positive messages rather than negative ones. By simply telling your child not to do it or warning them of all the bad things that could happen if they continue to suck their thumb will normally yield little success.
Rewarding your child for decreasing/eliminating the habit can be positive; it gives your child a sense of accomplishment and achievement. As you know your child better than anyone else, you will know what reward will work best. You could make up a chart with stars or similar given for not sucking their thumb.
Introducing activities into your child’s life that require use of their hands such as drawing/painting, creating or building things can also slow down the habit.
If you feel further support is needed, certain dental/orthodontic options are also available to encourage a change in habitual finger/thumb sucking; we will guide your family in the direction best suited.
If you would like more information please contact us for a consultation.
