Business and Management

Thumb-Sucking: Helping Your Child Stop

Many babies and toddlers calm down by sucking their thumbs. While many children quit on their own within the ages 3 and 6, some keep continuing past 4 or 5 years. 

Prolonged thumb sucking can cause serious dental and language problems. You can also know more about how to stop thumb-sucking habits through various online sources.

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With lots of love, encouragement, and a few simple steps, you can help your child break the thumb-sucking habit.

How do you get started?

Motivate your child by talking to them about why it is necessary to stop thumb sucking. Explain that quitting will help them have beautiful smiles and teeth. Let your kid know that continuing thumb sucking will create problems with how his or her teeth grow.

-Use a mirror to show changes in your child's teeth or mouth shape.

-Talk about unhealthy germs on our hands and how children put germs in their mouths by sucking their thumbs.

-Talk to your kid about being a "big boy" or a "big girl" by stopping thumb sucking. Evoke your kid that they can become addicted to sucking their thumb.

Make sure you choose the right time for this discussion. Children often suck their thumb to relieve stress. 

Choosing a stress-free time will help your child succeed. In addition, the 4 or 5-year-old is more likely to understand your reasons and be able to work with them.