What Are the Most Effective Ways to Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking?

Thumb sucking is a common habit among infants and young children. They often suck their thumbs to calm down or fall asleep. It is not a bothering habit until a certain age. However, if your child continues doing that after their first permanent teeth start developing, thumb sucking can become a problem and affect your child’s oral health. If you think your child is doing it for too long, a board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Sona Isharani at Triad Pediatric Dentistry from Greensboro, North Carolina, provides a list of practical ways to help your child stop thumb sucking.

Practical Tips to Help Stop Thumb Sucking

• Remain calm. Insisting that your kid stops thumb sucking will not help lead to cooperation. You need to stay calm and keep reminding your child that it is important to stop doing that but in a very patient and gentle manner.
• Keep the thumbs busy. If your child has nothing to do with their thumbs, they will continue sucking them. Therefore, make sure that your child’s thumbs are busy: encourage your kid to finger paint, color a picture, or play with a toy.
• Make sure your life is calm. Often, kids start sucking their thumbs because they are nervous. Make sure that you remain patient and peaceful, as well as the atmosphere in your home.
• Consult a pediatric dentist. If your kid has been sucking their thumb for too long, and you notice that this habit starts affecting their teeth, it is time to consult a dentist, who will fit a palatal appliance that will block the thumb from resting in your kid’s mouth.

Sona J. Isharani, DDS – A Pediatric Dentist in Greensboro North Carolina That Will Take Care Of Your Kid

If you live in Greensboro, NC, and are looking for a pediatric dentist to consult regarding a thumb sucking of your kid, Sona J. Isharani, DDS, is ready to help. If you have any questions, or you are prepared to schedule an appointment with our doctor, you can reach our practice at (336) 804-8668.