Does Your Child Suck Their Thumb? You Need to Read This!

We all know that babies (and even toddlers) naturally suck their thumbs or use pacifiers and other objects to maintain a calmness, happiness, to help themselves fall asleep…or just out of general curiosity.

The problem with this, however, is that it can become a problem once their permanent teeth come in. It can interfere with the growth of their mouths, including changes in the roof of their mouths. It can also lead to misalignment. For aggressive thumbsuckers, it can even create problems with their baby teeth.

It can also lead to sore thumbs. In severe cases, they could even crack and bleed or get infected…so then it becomes a health issue too. Not to mention, babies hands are often covered in germs.

So the obvious question then is: How Can I Help My Child Stop this Habit?

• Get to the root of the problem. Find out why they may be seeking the comfort of thumbsucking – it is often when they are insecure or need comfort.
  For example: maybe it is too dark in their room at night and you could purchase a special kid-friendly lighting contraption that lights up the walls and ceiling or a fun night light to make it less daunting and distract them until they fall asleep.
• Instead of just automatically giving them a pacifier or allowing them to suck their thumb, try rocking, massaging, or playing with them.
• Give them activities to keep both hands busy.
• Boost your child’s confidence by praising them for not thumbsucking.
• For children who are old enough, ask your dentist to explain to them the importance of not thumbsucking so that they understand it is more than just their parents telling them “Don’t do that!”. It’s important to educate them as to WHY they should not do that.
• Show your child YouTube videos about thumbsucking. As with the dentist talking to them, often it just takes someone
  other than mom or dad to motivate them to stop.
• Don’t confront them in a negative way – that will just cause them more anxiety. It is better to just nicely ask them “Do you realize you are sucking your thumb now?” Getting them in the habit of being more self-aware can work wonders.
• Find an alternate item that they can focus on such as a stuffed animal or a blanket. 
When concerned or in doubt, ask your dentist! They’re always there to be of help!

  Looking for a family dentist in the Surrey area? Call us to book an appointment at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry today!