Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers: Ages 3 - 6 Years Old

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

By now, most children have all 20 baby teeth come in. During this time, some kids are still reliant on their pacifiers or sucking their thumbs, a habit that can be hard to break.

Sucking thumbs, pacifiers, other objects, are all natural for babies. Even young children may still turn to this habit when trying to soothe themselves. Usually thumb sucking stops between 2 - 4 years of age, or by the time the adult front teeth are ready to break through the gums. If it does not, the children run the risk of seriously altering their teeth alignment.

So how can you help your child break this habit? Check out these 3 tips, courtesy of 2min2x.org:

• Positive reinforcement - praise your kids for not sucking their thumbs, don't scold them for sucking
• Comfort your child - children often suck their thumbs when they feel insecure or need comfort. Work to find out what is making your child anxious and comfort them
• Involve your child - for the older kids, have them involved in the process of choosing how to stop. Your pediatric dentist can also offer encouragement to your kids and can explain what will happen if they don't stop sucking their thumbs

If the above tips don't work, remind your child of their habit by covering their thumb over night (try bandaging or placing a sock on their hand). You can also talk to your pediatric dentist for additional advice, perhaps a bitter tasting medicine to coat the thumb or the use of a night mouth guard.

Do you have any helpful tips for other parents looking to stop their child's thumb sucking? Share with us on our Facebook page!