Thumb sucking is something all babies do. It’s how they learn about the world around them, by inserting everything they find into their mouths, thumbs included. A baby sucking her thumb may feel relaxed. Safe and soothed. This behavior can even help toddlers when the surroundings aren’t comfortable or well known.

But when does thumb sucking start to become a concern or health problem?

When should you be concerned?

Most children stop thumb sucking on their own between the ages of two and four. Some children though hang on to the behavior longer. When your child’s permanent teeth start coming in, usually around the ages of 5 and 6, is when thumb sucking should start being a concern.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Thumb sucking in older children is not a sign of insecurity. It’s merely a habit that’s hard to break, much the like comfort many adults find in smoking.

What can thumb sucking do to a child’s teeth?

The major problems thumb sucking creates are dental. Tooth alignment and spacing can be compromised along with the development of a child’s jaw. Remember though, this is not a concern until a child’s permanent teeth begin to erupt.

How can I get my child to stop sucking his thumb?

Most children stop thumb sucking spontaneously between the ages of 2 and 4. Ironically enough, it are the children whose parents discourage, scold and yank their thumbs from their mouths that suck their thumbs the longest.

To help your child stop sucking his thumb, try encouragement and praise when he’s not doing it. A little bit of praise can go a long way with your child.

In the same vein of encouragement, you can use a small reward system. I find this one very cool:

Try buying a calendar and placing it on the refrigerator. For each day you don’t see the child sucking his or her thumb, you can put a smiley-face sticker on the day. At the end of a set period of time, say a month, you can offer a modest reward, such as a toy or dinner at the child’s favorite restaurant.
–How Stuff Works

Don’t accent failure. On the days when your child slips and starts sucking his thumb, don’t yell, scold or otherwise belittle the child. This may perpetuated thumb sucking.

Give your child a reason to quit. If you’re afraid your child will be made fun of and you wish to spare his feelings, sit him down and discuss that.

If your child really wants to quit but is having a hard time, you can try some thumb sucking deterrents. Put a bandage on his thumb, so when your child automatically lifts his thumb to his mouth, he’ll realize to stop. If your child sucks his thumb while sleeping, try putting a sock on his hand at bedtime.

–Magdalena

Do you have any home remedies for thumb sucking? Comment and tell us about it!

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