Thumb Sucking in Babies
There are so many children who suck their thumbs around us, aren't there? Yes, it's not just your child who does that. But if this habit, which comes from infancy, continues in later ages, it is necessary to stop it. Both because of the effect of the habit, and for the oral health, children should give up the habit of thumb sucking. You can be the best person to help him on this.
Why do children suck their thumbs?
When we are looking for the reasons for thumb sucking, we need to go back a bit in the past. Babies have the urge to suck from birth. Breast-feeding babies need their fingers when they are hungry. Later, they scratch their teeth with their fingers when they are teething. During the development period, the finger and the mouth are in constant contact. Since sucking the thumb makes babies feel safe, some of them may develop the habit of sucking the thumb when they need to be soothed or fall asleep. However, if this situation continues until the age of 3-4 and beyond, it is a sign that something is not going well.
There are also disadvantages to thumb sucking.
The habit of thumb sucking can damage the teeth structure in later ages. Because thumb sucking affects the palate, irregularities may be seen in the arrangement of the teeth. The fact that the hands, which are constantly in contact with the outside world, are taken to the mouth also exposes the child to germs. If we think of this as a psychological case for the following years, we can say that thumb sucking is harmful.
The Case of Thumb Sucking May Be Psychological
The situation of children who are over 3-4 years old and who have made thumb sucking a habit can be explained psychologically. The fact that the baby who feels safe because he sucks his thumb does not give up sucking his fingers even after he grows up may be a clue that he is restless. Children may also resort to this way to get attention because of the arrival of a new sibling, indifference, or attention.
What are the methods to stop thumb sucking?
There is no medical treatment for stopping thumb sucking. However, the fact that it is a psychological reaction shows that your child needs your help and support. Here are a few things you can do to do this;
- Try to explain to your child why thumb sucking is a bad habit. However, there is a fine line between talking to him like an adult and being persistent. Instead of dictating it to him, you can launch it as a new decision that you will no longer suck your thumb.
- Encourage him to give up the habit of thumb sucking by giving positive reinforcements. Do not hesitate to reward him when he does not suck his finger.
- If your child sucks his thumb in response to stress, identify the real problem and help him relax. Hugging or reassuring words will make him happy.
- If he sucks his finger while watching TV, thinking, or listening to you, divert his attention to something else. Remember that this habit may also be happening in boredom.
- Do not scold him or embarrass him in public for this issue. Keep in mind that it is a psychological reaction.
- Do not use bitter nail polish or gloves to stop this habit, as these methods can scare or annoy him.
