Simple Tips to Stop Your Child’s Thumb Sucking

Thumb-sucking is one of the most common things that children do as soon as they have the ability.  Many parents think it is cute when their baby sucks their thumb, and most children actually outgrow the behavior. 

 

If your child doesn’t stop the thumb sucking before they reach preschool age though, pediatricians agrees that it can be a problem.  When teeth start coming in, this can cause some dental issues as the thumb sucking pushes the emerging teeth out of alignment.

 

Before you can stop your child from thumb-sucking, you need to learn why they are doing it in the first place.  Observe your child and see when the thumb goes into the mouth.  Is it only at night, when they are nervous, or when they are bored?  Talk with your child and ask why they like to suck their thumb.  Let them know that it is “babyish” and looks silly now that they are a big boy or girl.

 

Create a distraction to give the child something else to do.  By reading a book to the child, letting them paint, or playing with them, it will occupy their mind so they never give a thought to their thumb.  Give your child a reward when they make progress and reduce the thumb-sucking habit.

 

Another option that you might want to use as a last resort, is to put something on their thumb that doesn’t taste good.  Vinegar is a good option.  Many children will be just as keen to break their bad habit as you are, and will go along willingly with this treatment. 

 

You will want to let your child know what you are doing though, and don’t do it if it upsets him or her.  Just let the child know that this is going to help them reach their goal and prevent future dental problems.

Subscribe for newsletters &
Get Latest Updates & Offers

Stay
Connected