How To Stop Babies From Thumb Sucking?

Thumb sucking is a common habit among many children and begins during infancy and may continue to a point where you must act to break the habit. The practice though looking harmless can put your toddler at risk of oral deformities. Continue reading to learn some tricks that are helpful to stop babies from thumb sucking.

The natural rooting and sucking reflexes of babies make them suck their thumbs by putting them along with their fingers in the mouth. It is believed that these actions infuse safety and security among babies. Some children may develop this habit when they need to be soothed.

Babies begin sucking their thumbs from the 29th week of gestation. The habit develops as they are born and may continue for up to 3 years. In most cases, however, children stop sucking their thumbs before they are six months old. Most children give up the habit by themselves, but some may need intervention from adults for breaking the habit. Among children, thumb sucking is not a significant issue until the permanent teeth of the child begin emerging. The dentist in Gilbert, AZ, recommends the child should give up this habit to prevent damage to the teeth or alignments with the jaw.

Parents must consult the dentist in Gilbert if they want help to prevent their child from thumb sucking. The dentist can provide invaluable tips that will help them to succeed in their effort. Some of the tips recommended by the dentist are:

Parents can begin limiting the time the child’s thumb sucking into the bedroom or before a nap. Children must be explained why the limitations have been imposed.

Warning the child about germs on his or her hands and how the habit of thumb sucking can cause infectious microorganisms to spread and cause diseases. The fear of swallowing the bacteria can make some children forgo the habit of thumb sucking.

Parents must incentivize the child every time he or she does not have a thumb in the mouth. Rewarding the child will ensure they put more effort into quitting the habit.

Diverting the child’s attention every time he or she begins sucking the thumb is another method suggested. Children must be drawn towards toys and other activities when parents observe they are bored or inclined to suck the thumb.

Parents must understand the side effects of thumb sucking can cause permanent damage to teeth alignment, spread infectious germs, and lead to jaw deformities in the later years. The suggestions provided by pediatric dentists must be adhered to for helping children break the habit of thumb sucking.