Thumb-sucking is natural and even expected in young children as a form of self-soothing, but it is a habit that should not continue as they get older. Your trusted family dentist at High Point Smile Dentistry in High Point, NC, has seen the damage that extensive thumb-sucking can cause. As a parent, it’s important that you know when and how to break this habit. 

A Guide to Stopping Thumb-Sucking

When Should It Stop?

Thumb-sucking becomes a concern once your child has reached the age of four and is still indulging in the habit. If they continue to do this after the age of five, it can case serious damage by changing the shape of the mouth and the teeth as it develops. This change in shape is difficult to fix. This type of damage doesn’t usually occur if older children only suck their thumbs on rare occasion. If your child is still sucking their thumb regularly at the age of four, this is when you should talk with your family dentist about how to stop it.

How to Stop It

One of the most commonly used techniques to stop thumb-sucking is a plastic guard that can fit either over the thumb or in the mouth. An aversion therapy splint, for example, sits over the thumb and makes it uncomfortable to fit it into the mouth. The in-mouth guards fit on the roof of the mouth, making it impossible to suck when the thumb is in the mouth. Sometimes something soft like gloves or a bandage wrapped around the thumb can accomplish the purpose as well. How long it takes to break the habit will depend on the child. As you work to end the habit, try not to scold your child for sucking their thumb. Instead, explain why they need to stop and create a reward program for success – this will make it a positive experience rather than a negative one.

If you have any questions about your child’s dental health, talk with your family dentist at High Point Smile Dentistry. Their team offers complete preventative and restorative dental services, from orthodontics to treating cavities. Contact them at (336) 884-4000 to schedule your appointment today.