Easing Kids from Thumbsucking
Posted By Robert
Date: May 5th, 2008
Category: Tips
We all know that too much thumb sucking can definitely effect a child’s dental development. If a child continues to thumbsuck beyond 6 years old, then parents should be concerned. Below are just some tips from the American Dental Association to help children eventually ease out of this habit:
- Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they are.
- 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 a child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
- If the above tips don’t work, remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe a bitter medication to coat the thumb or the use of a mouth appliance.