Treatment:
- The best prevention is to get your newborn to take the pacifier instead of thumb-sucking or finger-sucking. Although prolonged use of the pacifier can lead to similar problems, it is not attached to the child and can be more easily discouraged.
- Children should be helped to give up the habit before they enter school to prevent teasing.
- Timing of treatment is important. Your child should be willing to give up thumb-sucking or finger-sucking. If your child is not willing to stop, therapy is not usually indicated. Pressure to stop may only lead to resistance and lack of cooperation. Try again at a later time.
- Give your child attention and understanding and gently discourage the habit. Reminders such as a band-aid on the thumb can help or a special product to paint on the thumb that alters the taste.
- Offer rewards (star on chart, dimes, extra story) for days when your child is successful. Make sure to praise your child when successful, as well.
After daytime thumbsucking is controlled:
- Take one step at a time. Encourage your child not to suck during one daytime activity, like story time or television watching. Gradually add another activity until daytime sucking is controlled.
- Help your child to give up the sucking habit during sleep. This is usually an involuntary process and a glove, sock, or thumb/finger guard can help stop the habit.
- If these considerations are not successful, let us know. By the time your child’s permanent teeth begin to erupt (at around 6 years of age), it should be brought to our attention. We may suggest other options such as a reminder bar that is placed in the upper arch.
