Parents: Tips To Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking

There is nothing to worry if your child sucks his or her thumb but if your child continues to suck his or her thumb for a long time, there could be minor repercussions on your child's health. Many child specialists have studied the impact of thumb sucking on child's health conditions and have mixed opinions on this assumed association. Some say it is not something to worry as it doesn't last long, while some others talk high about its disadvantages which can lead to many health hazards. If your child is habitual of sucking thumb, you should consider these things before taking any step further--

1. Nothing to worry before your child turns six

According to American Dental Association, most children can safely suck their thumb- without damaging the alignment of their teeth or jaws. But if your child continues to suck his or her thumb after crossing the age of six, you should immediately consult your doctor to stop this habit.

2. Keep a check on its intensity

One thing that you should keep in mind is that not all thumb-sucking is equally damaging. However, you should keep a check on the intensity of the sucking and the tongue's thrust that deforms teeth. According to experts, kids who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have dental problems than children who suck their thumbs with great vigour.

3. Apply moisturizer if your child's thumb goes red

If your child's thumb goes red because of sucking, you should apply body moisturizer on it to soften it. Make sure that you apply it when he or she is asleep because if you apply it while your child is awake, it might just end up going into their mouth.

4. Pre-empt thumb sucking with other fun activities

If your child involuntarily sucks his or her thumb while watching television or playing, you can distract him or her with some substitute activity such as squeeze ball or finger puppets to make him stop.

5. Let it go if all the tactics fail

If you have tirelessly tried to curb this habit in your child, hold on for a second to think and let those efforts go. Your persistent insistence might make your child feel inferior or agonized which might lead to stress and depression.