Many babies suck their thumbs for comfort, as the habit is rooted in a need for security. Address this behavior early since it’ll impact teeth growth and alignment, requiring frequent trips to the dentist. While many kids discontinue thumb-sucking on their own, others may need a bit of help. Here are a few ways you can encourage your child to stop.

How to Stop Your Child From Sucking Their Thumb

1. Offer Positive Guidance

To kids, thumb-sucking is an impulse behavior that feels good and offers comfort, so don’t guilt them into quitting the habit. Instead, guide them in the right direction by creating a natural association between quitting and positivity.

Offer small challenges, like asking them not to suck their thumb while you read them a book or trying to go an entire morning without the habit. Start small, and reward them for good behavior with generous praise or something they enjoy, like stickers or a healthy snack.

2. Identify the Triggers

Kids suck their thumbs due to certain emotional triggers, whether its anxiety or boredom. Thumb-sucking is a natural and easy activity that alleviates overwhelming feelings while providing them with something to do.

In these instances, soothing your child through another means may be helpful. For example, extra hugs throughout the day may help alleviate stress, and hands-on activities will keep your child engaged to minimize boredom.

3. Remind Them Gently

Have a conversation with your child about how thumb-sucking may affect their teeth. Avoid scaring them by not sharing the risk of a severe overbite or tooth misalignment in too much detail. Instead, gently explain that the habit may make it difficult for them to chew their favorite foods when they’re older and that they’ll need to see the dentist more often.

If your child’s teeth are affected by thumb-sucking, turn to Nelson Hatanaka D.D.S., in Honolulu, HI. Dr. Hatanaka is an experienced dentist, and he and his team welcome patients of all ages. They’ll assess your child’s condition, then create a plan to correct any alignment issues. For more information about their services, call (808) 395-1922.