Thumb Sucking in Greenville, SC
Thumb sucking is a naturally soothing, comforting habit that some children continue until they enter preschool or later. However, children who suck their thumb or a pacifier past age five risk a negative impact on dental development.
The image of your baby sucking their thumb while sleeping is peaceful and heartwarming. However, when the time comes to help your child to stop sucking their thumb, you may face a challenge. Our children’s dentists in Greenville offer excellent tips and advice to help with the transition from thumb-sucking. We will partner with you by providing the tools, information, and resources you need to help your child stop thumb-sucking for good.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thumb Sucking Habits
Is thumb-sucking a bad habit for a baby?
Not at all. The habit is a natural soothing activity for pre-born babies, as well as babies and toddlers. It can help children calm down or fall asleep.
Can I train my infant not to suck their thumb so we don’t have to go through the process later?
Thumb sucking can be a difficult habit to break because children carry their thumbs everywhere. Some babies have a strong predisposition to suck their thumbs, while others simply do not. If you’d like to transition your infant from thumb-sucking to another self-soothing habit, that’s A-OK.
Try these alternatives to thumb-sucking:
- Pacifiers
- Teethers
- Water to drink
- Comfort objects
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Swaddling
- Rocking or movement
- Soft music or white noise
- Distractions, like playing, singing, or a bedtime massage
Why should a child of three to five years have to stop sucking their thumb?
Children who suck their thumb past age four or five risk dental development/orthodontic problems and speech impediments.
How can I encourage my child to stop sucking their thumb?
The alternatives listed above can help. Toddlers and preschoolers may respond well to incentives, like a nutritious smoothie or a park outing as a reward for not thumb sucking. Positive reinforcement and gentle reminders also help. If you notice what triggers your child to suck their thumb, you can work with them on addressing the resulting emotions differently.
Don’t most kids stop sucking their thumbs when they go to preschool?
Many children simply give up thumb-sucking without an official transition. Some don’t want other children, like those at school, to make fun of them, so they stop to avoid a social stigma. Still, others need more help to break the comforting habit.
Is there anything the dentist can do for my six-year-old who still sucks their thumb?
If the strategies outlined on this page don’t work for your child, please don’t hesitate to speak with our children’s dentist. We’re here to explore other options and find a solution that works best for your little one.
Encourage Healthy Thumb Sucking Habits
Please share with us any concerns you have about your child’s dental health. We help parents navigate how to help their kids stop thumb-sucking. It’s just one way we support our patients and their families in having a great Kidsperience. Contact us today to schedule an exam for your kiddo, we look forward to meeting you and your child!
