How to Get Rid of Thumb Sucking?

It may seem strange to consider that you have to get rid of thumb sucking but the truth is this seemingly harmless activity can cause serious physical problems if left unchecked. Sure, infants tend to need a “binkie” to suck on or a thumb to calm them down when they are frustrated or angry.

It is important to break this habit as soon as possible, but a child should certainly stop sucking their thumbs when they are three or four years of age (five at the absolute latest). Parents, keep in mind that thumb sucking is a normal activity that young children use in response to stress or frustration. It doesn’t help for the parents to over-react to this. But adults should do what they can to stop the habit.

Physical Effects
Consistent thumb sucking can cause the teeth and jaws to become malformed. This can lead to problems with eating and talking, as well as with appearance, as the child grows. The bones of young children are softer and more prone to change shape than the bones of older people.

It is certainly possible to break this habit in a young child by putting gloves or other coverings on the hands. Some parents coat the thumb and/or fingers with something that tastes bad so the child doesn’t want to put the thumb or fingers in the mouth. Unfortunately, these methods only work in a small percentage of situations. Some children even learn to wash their hands or take coverings off so they can get at their thumb again. Parents have even tried to restrict arm movement so that the child can’t bend the arm to suck the thumb.

Use Reason
Parents should always try to talk with the child and explain why it is important to stop thumb sucking. Some parents have encouraged the child to suck their thumb while standing at the mirror. Sometimes children will become uncomfortable looking at themselves for extended periods and may even realize that what they are doing is “strange looking” and unnecessary.

With the help of a doctor you can use a palate crib that is placed on the upper teeth and the roof of the mouth. With this physical device thumb sucking often stops immediately. This step might be a last resort for some parents because of cost and/or because it is a serious step to take with a young child. Though it might work in many cases, it’s best not to obsess over thumb sucking. Once the crib is designed and in place there should be no need for changes or adjustments.

One of the keys to success with home and self-help methods is involving the child. If the child believes it is his or her idea the process is more likely to be successful. You may have to bring in the “peer pressure” tactic. Sometimes young children will want to stop sucking their thumbs or stop some other habit when they know a friend or fellow infant has made the change.

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