{"id":78236,"date":"2023-04-24T02:42:07","date_gmt":"2023-04-23T23:42:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog?p=78236"},"modified":"2023-04-24T02:44:18","modified_gmt":"2023-04-23T23:44:18","slug":"thumb-sucking-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/thumb-sucking-what-you-need-to-know","title":{"rendered":"Thumb-Sucking: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm6\">All babies are born with the natural reflexes of sucking. These reflexes are essential as they are what help a baby feed.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm6\">Thumb sucking is also a natural habit for babies and children, often starting even before birth. It is used for self-soothing purposes and helps your baby feel more secure. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm7\"><span class=\"tm6\">In most cases, babies and toddlers stop sucking their thumbs all on their own between the ages of 2 to 4. It is considered normal behavior until the age of 4. However, if it continues after, thumb sucking might cause problems in children whose adult teeth are coming through.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>As a new parent, it is important to know all about thumb sucking and when it stops being typical behavior and starts being a matter of concern.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"why-do-babies-suck-their-thumbs\" class=\"tm7\"><span class=\"tm6\">Why do babies suck their thumbs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm7\"><span class=\"tm6\">Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, which causes them to put their thumbs or fingers into their mouths.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm7\"><span class=\"tm6\">Thumb sucking helps babies <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm7 tm8\"><span class=\"tm6\">feel secure <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm7 tm8\"><span class=\"tm6\">soothe themselves<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm7 tm8\"><span class=\"tm6\">go to sleep easier<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Thumb sucking is a way for babies and infants to comfort themselves. Usually, after six months of age, the urge for thumb-sucking decreases. However, if your baby has learned to comfort themselves by sucking their thumb, this behavior may continue long past that time frame.<\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/baby-hiccups-causes-treatment-and-when-to-be-concerned\">Baby Hiccups: Causes, Treatment, and When to Be Concerned<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-does-thumb-sucking-usually-last\" class=\"tm7\"><span class=\"tm10\">How long does thumb-sucking usually last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm6\">According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.apa.org\/thumb-sucking\">APA Dictionary of Psychology<\/a>, thumb-sucking is common <\/span><span class=\"tm6\">among infants and young children. It was formerly classified as a habit disturbance when persisting beyond 3 or 4 years. It is often explained as a basic sucking impulse from which a child derives pleasure, comfort, and relaxation.<\/span><u><\/u><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm6\">Typically, many children <\/span><span class=\"tm10\">stop sucking their thumbs on their own, often by age 6 or 7 months or between the ages of 2 and 4. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Thirty percent of children in preschool suck their thumbs, which is still considered age appropriate. Children tend to naturally wean themselves off sucking their thumb at around 3 years of age. Still, if the habit continues past the age of four, the long-term dental consequences could surface, and if thumb sucking continues past the age of five, it could indicate emotional or other problems.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm10\">However, every child is different. A child who gave up the habit of thumb-sucking might return to this habit in times of stress. So if you have concerns about your child\u2019s habits, you should consider talking to a pediatrician and a psychologist.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-side-effects-of-thumb-sucking\" class=\"Normal tm5\"><span class=\"tm6\">What are the side effects of thumb-sucking?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm5\"><span class=\"tm6\">Thumb sucking, a natural reflex of infants and kids, provides a sense of protection when your child is worried or stressed. This habit gives the worried or stressed child a soothing experience. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm5\"><span class=\"tm6\">Children also tend to suck their thumbs when they feel happy. These are all normal up to the age of 4, usually. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm5\"><span class=\"tm6\">However, if this habit continues for a long time, past age 4, it might negatively affect your child\u2019s teeth alignment and jaw development. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">The effects of thumb-sucking vary based on <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">your child\u2019s <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">development<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\"> how often they suck their thumb<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\"> the angle at which they suck their thumb<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">how hard they suck their thumb<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/umbilical-cord-care-what-every-parent-needs-to-know\">Umbilical Cord Care: What Every Parent Needs to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Some of the problems that may arise from thumb-sucking include:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"misaligned-teeth\" class=\"tm7\">Misaligned teeth<\/h4>\n<p class=\"Normal tm7\">Thumb sucking might have a negative effect on the alignment of your child\u2019s teeth.<\/p>\n<p>The most serious permanent side effects of thumb sucking are the imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed. This is also referred to as an overbite or open bite.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tm7\"><strong>Overbite:<\/strong> This occurs when the upper front teeth are directed outward, and the top teeth cover the bottom teeth when your child\u2019s mouth is closed rather than the top and bottom teeth touching.<\/p>\n<p>An overbite can affect the shape of the face and smile. In some cases, the child might need orthodontic treatment to correct the misalignment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm7\"><strong>Open bite:<\/strong> This occurs when the top and bottom teeth are directed outward. With this form of misalignment, the top and bottom front teeth don\u2019t touch even when your child\u2019s mouth is completely closed.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"speech-impediments\" class=\"tm7\">Speech impediments<\/h4>\n<p class=\"Normal tm7\">Thumb sucking affects the proper development of the teeth, jaw, and palate. It can change how your child eats and speaks.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"social-impact\" class=\"tm7\">Social impact<\/h4>\n<p class=\"Normal tm7\">Thumb sucking can have an impact on your child socially.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm7\">If your child is over four years old and still sucks their thumb, you may need support from a professional. A pediatrician, a dentist, and a psychologist might collaborate on helping your child overcome the habit and its effects.<\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/key-signs-of-speech-and-language-delays-in-your-child\">Key Signs of Speech and Language Delays in Your Child<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-should-i-intervene\" class=\"tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">When should I intervene?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">Thumb sucking isn&#8217;t usually a concern until a child&#8217;s permanent teeth appear. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">After the permanent teeth come in, thumb sucking might begin to affect the roof of the mouth (palate) or how the teeth line up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\"> The risk of dental problems is related to <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">how often<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">how long and<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">how intensely your child sucks on their thumb.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\">The <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/~\/media\/ADA\/Publications\/Files\/patient_77.pdf?la=en\">American Dental Association (ADA)<\/a><\/u> confirms that most children stop thumb sucking <span class=\"tm9\">on their own<\/span> between the ages of 2 and 4.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\">Even after age 4, doctors don\u2019t recommend that parents aggressively intervene and attempt to stop the habit. This is because placing too much pressure on your child can have the opposite effect.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-can-i-encourage-my-child-to-stop-sucking-their-thumb\">How can I encourage my child to stop sucking their thumb?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\">Most parents feel anxious to help their children stop sucking their thumbs in order to prevent future dental problems.<\/p>\n<p>While the concern is normal, it is important to remember that too much intervention may produce the opposite result. Your child may, in fact, get to cling to thumb-sucking more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\">Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child stop sucking their thumb. You can also use support, encouragement, and reminders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\">It is important to remember that most children will stop thumb-sucking, on their own, without adult intervention.<\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/what-is-positive-parenting-benefits-and-techniques-every-parent-should-know\">What Is Positive Parenting?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\">To encourage your child to give up the habit of thumb-sucking, you might try some of the following gentle methods:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"Normal tm6 tm7\">\n<li class=\"tm8\"><strong><span class=\"tm9\">Identify what triggers thumb sucking:<\/span><\/strong> If stress or fear causes your child to put their thumb in their mouth, help them reduce this fear in other ways, such as with a hug or comforting words.<\/li>\n<li class=\"tm10\"><strong><span class=\"tm9\">Replace the habit<\/span><\/strong>: Most children suck their thumb without consciously thinking about it. Help your child stop by coming up with a replacement habit to keep their hands busy. This could include making a fist or holding a soft toy they can squeeze.<\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm10\"><strong><span class=\"tm9\">Offer rewards<\/span><\/strong>: Set goals with your child and offer rewards when they avoid thumb-sucking for a while. Praise your child for trying, and consider incorporating sticker charts, small treats, or fun surprises to help the process along.<\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm10\"><strong><span class=\"tm9\">Provide reminders<\/span><\/strong>: When you notice your child sucking their thumb, gently redirect them. Always avoid harsh words or punishments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\">Along the journey of encouraging your child to stop thumb-sucking, you should be careful to not engage in the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong>Avoid confrontation:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t tell your child: &#8220;You cannot suck your thumb anymore.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong>Don&#8217;t prohibit it: <\/strong>Don&#8217;t prohibit your child if they try to suck their thumb, particularly after a stressful event e.g. being hurt or injured. They need to be in their comfort zone, and you&#8217;re only traumatizing them by placing heavy restrictions on certain behaviors.<\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong>Avoid bitter treatments and ointments:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t use bitter nasty-tasting solutions marketed to stop thumb-sucking.<\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong>Don&#8217;t use hand coverings:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t try to cover your child&#8217;s hand with a glove or mitten as a quick fix to thumb-sucking. This might frustrate your baby and cause more anxiety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Always remember that thumb-sucking is a habit. So you need to be patient and positive while helping your child. Encourage your child to stop themselves, and don&#8217;t push them to do so in negative ways. This will probably only worsen the habit.<\/p>\n<p>Talk to your pediatrician or dentist if your child continues to suck their thumb after they start school.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>References:<\/strong> mayoclinic.com, healthychildren.org, webmd.com, verywellfamily.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"All babies are born with the natural reflexes of sucking. These reflexes are essential as they are what&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5406,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[345],"tags":[1245,1240,1242,1239,1248,1244,1241,1243,1238,1249,1246,1247],"table_tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78236"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78236"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78236\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78253,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78236\/revisions\/78253"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78236"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=78236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}