Thumb-sucking is a normal behavior in the first few years of life. However, pediatric dentists warn against letting your child continue this habit past age 4, as it can affect their bite and cause misaligned teeth. Here are a few ways to wean your little one off thumb-sucking.

Understanding the Risks of Prolonged Thumb-Sucking

While sucking is necessary for infants to eat, it can disrupt dental development as children get older. Thumb-sucking that continues as a child's teeth start grow in can lead to misalignment, overcrowding, and bite problems. The severity of these effects often depends on when the child eventually stops sucking their thumb.

Your child's pediatric dentist may try to demonstrate how teeth grow through models and illustrations, but it's common for young kids to not fully understand the concept. Instead, the dentist will rely on you to gently correct the unwanted behavior and coach them towards healthier self-soothing habits.

How You Can Discourage Thumb-Sucking

Identify Their Triggers

Pay attention to when your little one sucks their thumb. For instance, if they do it when they’re stressed, provide alternative forms of comfort by giving them a hug or stuffed animal to squeeze. If your child tends to suck their thumb when they’re bored, offer them stimulating distractions, like a puzzle or book.

Offer Rewards

Many youngsters respond well to positive reinforcement, so praise your child when they don’t suck their thumb. Consider giving them a sticker for every day they don’t resort to the habit. Once they receive five stickers, give them a larger reward, like an extra bedtime story or a trip to the park.

If your little one is having difficulty stopping thumb-sucking, turn to Kapolei Keiki Dental in Hawaii. These professionals offer a wide range of dental care services for children of all ages, and they’ll monitor your little one’s teeth development to prevent the habit from affecting smile alignment. Visit the website to get more information about their services, or call (808) 944-1020 to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist.