Many young children suck on their thumbs as a way to self-soothe. While there’s no harm to the habit during the first few years of life, it may start to cause problems when permanent teeth start coming in, usually at around four years of age. The pressure placed on the teeth may shift them out of their alignment and cause the child to develop an open bite or other dental care problems. If your toddler isn’t easing out of the habit, here are some strategies to stop thumb-sucking.

5 Ways to Keep Your Kid From Sucking Their Thumb

1. Talk About the Dangers

With a compassionate approach, talk to your toddler about the ways that thumb sucking may affect their dental care. If they find out the habit may cause speech issues or require orthodontic care, kids will feel motivated to stop. Also, have your dentist discuss the issue with your child during their next dental exam.

2. Take a Slow Approach

Habits can’t be broken overnight, so slowly curb the activity by letting your child suck on their thumb for limited amounts of time. If they exceed the limit, kindly ask them to stop. You can also help your child become self-aware of their behavior by asking them if they realize they are sucking their thumbs as it happens.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement          

Punishment or criticism will only make your child feel more anxious, and they’ll continue thumb-sucking for relief. Instead, note the moments when your kid is thumb-free and praise them for it. Once little ones recognize their behavior is worthy of praise, they may try harder to stop the habit to make you proud.

4. Address Underlying Causes

If anxiety, boredom, or tiredness causes your little one to suck on their thumb, intervene to prevent the behavior. For example, tired thumb-suckers may benefit from taking a nap, while those who are bored might stop the habit if they engage in another activity.

5. Suggest Soothing Substitutes

When your child’s thumb is used as a tool for comfort, you can offer substitutes. For example, many kids will find that a soft blanket or stuffed animal is just as soothing.

When you’re concerned about your child’s thumb-sucking behaviors, turn to the caring team at Pediatric Dental Group. Serving the Honolulu, HI, community since 1966, this children’s dental care provider will monitor tooth development to catch and treat potential problems caused by thumb-sucking. This pediatric dentist can also offer guidance on how to put the habit to bed forever. To learn more about this clinic’s dental care services, visit their website. For appointments, call a friendly staff member at (808) 593-8828.