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If your child has started sucking their thumb, take action to stop it immediately. The longer they indulge the habit, the harder it will be to break. Additionally, thumb sucking leads to various health problems. It causes dental care issues like overbite, is linked to mouth breathing and related respiratory ailments, and introduces bacteria into the mouth. Find out how you can discourage your little one from this nasty habit in the sections below. 

How to Nix Thumb Sucking

1. Provide a Distraction

dental careThumb sucking provides some form of comfort for a lot of kids, soothing them if they are feeling anxious or insecure. Give them a distraction they can use to keep their hands busy and calm their nerves. A fidget spinner is one option. 

2. Implement Rewards

Create a rewards chart tracking how long your kid can go without thumb sucking. Use fun stickers to mark progress and set clear rewards for key milestones. For instance, if they go a full week, take a trip to the toy store. Make sure to provide plenty of praise and encouragement.

3. Use a Deterrent

There are special solutions on the market designed to deter thumb sucking by giving it an unsavory taste—just paint a little bit of the bitter-tasting mixture on your little one’s nails. Ask your dental care professional for a recommendation regarding a safe product. 

4. Create a Barrier

Many kids turn to thumb sucking at night when they are in bed. If this is the case for your little one, consider putting a sock over their hands. This barrier is a safe and harmless reminder to keep their fingers out of their mouth.

5. Explain the Dangers

If your child is a bit older, talk to them about the problems that thumb sucking poses. You can also ask a dental care professional to talk to your child about the issue—sometimes an external voice of authority can be even more impactful than parental words.

 

Dr. Meier of Lowitz & Meier will be happy to talk to your child about the dangers of thumb sucking. Located in Cincinnati, OH, this family dentistry practice is known for gentle care and a welcoming atmosphere that puts patients of all ages at ease. Find out about their comprehensive range of cutting-edge dental care services, from teeth whitening to in-office crowns, online. To request an appointment, call the dentist office directly at (513) 521-8900.

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