Blog
Attention, all you thumb suckers – this is one habit you’re going to want to kick!
Research indicates that chronic thumb sucking can adversely affect the development of the mouth. If your child regularly makes a meal out of his/her cab-hailing digit, we’ve got some expert advice on how to deal with it.
Why is something so soothing for young children so harmful? Although thumb sucking is used as a coping mechanism for many young children, the sucking action puts pressure on the sides of the upper jaw and the soft tissue on the roof of the mouth. Over time, the upper jaw can narrow and cause segmentation throughout teeth.
Although the problem can be rectified with braces, parents should know this development can spur speech problems such as a lisp. Oral health and development problems only worsen the longer the habit is maintained – it’s best to work it out of their system early.
Children can experience similar anxiety to adults, something we often fail to acknowledge. Thumb sucking becomes a powerful tool in curbing such anxiety, making it an otherwise permanent habit. It’s not too late to wean your child off, just follow these tips …
Limit the time in which your child sucks his/her thumb, first making it off-limits in public places. Enforcing off-limit areas helps to undermine their dependency.
Never make thumb sucking confrontational. Most people respond better to positive praise rather than criticism – acknowledge when your child has done well rather than highlighting their dependent behavior.
Allow thumb sucking to remain a coping mechanism if your child is injured or upset. Minor injury and emotional distress call for comfort zones, helping your child cope.
Avoid using thumb-coating liquids to forcibly curb their habit. Experts consider this no better than ‘pulling the rug out’ from beneath your child. Naturally curbing the habit ensures it remains part of the past.
For even more tips on thumb sucking, check out Web MD.
