Several Tips To Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking

Sucking on pacifiers, thumbs, fingers, or other objects is a natural instinct for young children. This action may help soothe them and also assist with falling asleep. This act can be relatively harmless, until the permanent teeth start coming in. Sucking can cause issues with teeth alignment, effect the growth of the mouth, and damage to the roof of the mouth.

Kids usually quit sucking pacifiers, thumbs, and other objects between the ages of two and four years old. However, if you happen to notice any changes to your child's teeth as a result of sucking, call our office.

According to the American Dental Association, here are several tips to help your child stop thumb sucking:

• Praise your child for not sucking.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
• For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping.
• Your dentist can offer encouragement to your child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
• If these tips do not work, remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night.
• Bitter medication can be prescribed or the use of a mouth appliance. 

If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at www.blackmanandblissdds.com for more information on curbing your child's thumb sucking habits.