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While thumb sucking is a perfectly natural habit some children develop to soothe themselves, dentists warn that continuing to do so past the development of teeth could cause dental issues. When helping your child break their thumb-sucking habit, use encouragement and positivity rather than punishment or negative reinforcement. Here are four tips to use when working with your child to stop thumb sucking.

4 Tips to Help Stop Thumb Sucking

1. Talk with Your Child  

Depending on the age of your child, you may be surprised at the amount of information they can comprehend and retain. Talk with your child to help them understand why they should stop sucking their thumb. Ask them why they like doing it and whether there is another method they would like to try to soothe themselves. Additionally, have their dentist talk with them about how thumb sucking could impact their teeth.

2. Reward System

dentistOnce you decide it’s time to kick the habit, develop a reward system for your child to support their progress. A sticker chart can be divided up by days or even times of day to let your child see their progress. Additionally, come up with milestone rewards for continued good behavior, such as a movie or trip to the park.

3. Identify Problem Times

Observe the times your child is most likely to suck their thumb. They may not even realize they’re doing it as much as they are. If you know your child sucks their thumb when watching television, offer them something to keep their hands busy during this time. Or, if your child frequently sucks their thumb at night, offer them a new stuffed toy or blanket to help soothe them when they need comforting.

4. Praise Your Child

Even if they only stopped sucking their thumb a few extra minutes during the day, praise your child as much as possible. Your child will feel encouraged when you celebrate the small victories, so make sure to applaud their efforts. Additionally, talk with their doctor and dentist to update them on your child’s progress—when your child receives more praise from other adults, they will feel more motivated to continue their hard work.

 

When your child could use another positive role model in their efforts to stop thumb sucking, take them to see Dr. Allen K. Hirai, DDS, at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala in Honolulu, HI. He and his team specialize in compassionate and stress-free dental care for children. They pride themselves on their ability to connect with children and provide a comfortable environment in which to receive teeth cleanings and exams. Call (808) 737-0076 to make an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about this dental office.

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