When some kids get nervous or tired, the first thing they do is pop their thumbs in their mouths. In Today's Healthy Child, THV is partnering with Arkansas Children's Hospital to help parents know when to stop thumb-sucking and the right way to go about doing it.
Thumb-sucking calms babies and children, but it's a habit that can cause problems if it extends past early childhood. Dr. Kirt Simmons, Director of Craniofacial Orthodontics at Arkansas Children's Hospital, says, "It's normal at birth and shortly thereafter to suck your thumb. Up until about the age 2-3, most children do suck their thumb or finger or pacifier. At that point, most children will discontinue the habit naturally."
But if a child continues thumb-sucking past the age of 5, they may be at risk of developing dental problems. Their teeth may become misaligned and they could develop to speech problems. Dr. Simmons explains, "If the child is really actively sucking with their cheeks, it can make the top jaw narrower. They get what's called a crossbite."
So how do you put an end to your child's thumb-sucking? "The first thing you need to do is No. 1, provide a comfortable environment," says Dr. Simmons. "A lot of children get emotional support from sucking their thumb or fingers. There are a lot of emotional issues tied up with this."
Treatments range from clinical to homemade. Parents can use a reward system, such as toys, or use medical appliances that physically prevent the habit. "One of the tricks is don't scold the child or punish them for doing it," says Dr. Simmons. "You want to use praise and encouragement, helpful reminders."
Dr. Simmons says regardless of the method, the habit won't be instantly broken, and nothing will be accomplished until the child is ready. He says, "Trying to stop a child when they insist they're not ready, they don't want to, is doomed to failure."
Dr. Simmons says he doesn't want to worry parents about thumb-sucking. He says in a typical practice, less than 10 percent of children are in need of professional assistance to stop and probably only one percent need serious help.
