Thumb Sucking
Babies and smaller children often develop habits such as thumb, finger or pacifier sucking. They fulfill important needs of the young child. There is no reason for concern unless they continue for too long. How should you deal with a child that exhibits such behavior?
Most children discontinue the habits on their own between two or four years of age and suffer no ill effects. If continued for longer periods the upper front teeth may begin to misalign pointing outward and upward.
With regular visits to our practice we can monitor your child's mouth for development to catch any abnormalities early before they become serious. For most children there is no concern until permanent teeth begin arriving. If a problem develops many children voluntarily correct the habit when the situation is adequately explained to them by their parents and Dr. Wolpo and/or his staff. In those few cases where this does not work appliances are available which make sucking difficult.
Thumb Sucking Video
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There is not much difference between the effects of a thumb, finger or pacifier. Many people say kicking the habit will be easier if the child is learned using a pacifier instead of a finger. The parent will probably have more control over the pacifier than the child's hands. To break the habit try reasoning, peer pressure, interference methods such as sock or tape over the hands or fingers to stop the behavior.
There is no doubt that it is beneficial to develop the way nature intended. From a dental health standpoint, breast-feeding or proper bottle-feeding will allow good oral and facial development to occur. If proper feeding methods are used the need for oral gratification is greatly satisfied, and will help reduce the need for supplementary thumb sucking. If your child needs additional oral gratification, use an orthodontic pacifier will work as a positive supplement.
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See also: Teething
