Child 6 years old came to u with thumb suck already caused dental problem what u will do:
- Nothing.
- Psychologist treatment.
- Early habit breaking appliance. ***
Thumb sucking habit: Help your child to get rid of this habit
Thumb sucking can be a habit that is difficult for a child to break. Understand what you can do to help your child stop thumb sucking.
Thumb sucking is a common habit among children. However, at some point you may be thinking, "Stop it." Here's how to help encourage your child to stop this behavior.
Why do some children suck their thumbs?
Babies are born with a natural sucking and searching reflex that may cause them to put their thumb or other fingers in their mouths, sometimes even before birth. Because the habit of thumb sucking makes infants feel secure, some of them eventually resort to thumb sucking when they need to calm down or sleep.
How long does thumb sucking usually last?
Many children stop sucking their thumbs on their own, often when they are 6 or 7 months old, or between two and four years old.
But a child who has stopped sucking his thumb may return to this behavior during times of stress.
When should I get involved?
Finger sucking is not usually a problem as long as the child does not have permanent teeth. In this period, thumb sucking may begin to affect the roof of the mouth (palate) or the alignment of the teeth. The risk of dental problems is related to how often a child sucks his or her thumb and how long and hard the sucking persists.
Although some experts recommend addressing sucking habits before the age of three, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that treatment is usually limited to children who continue to suck thumbs beyond the age of five.
What can I do to encourage my child to stop sucking his thumb?
Talk to your child about thumb sucking. You are more likely to succeed in stopping the habit if the child wishes to do so, and helps choose the method used.
In some cases, paying attention to thumb sucking is enough to stop the behavior, especially if the child is using thumb sucking as a way to get attention. If ignoring this behavior isn't effective, try one of the following methods:
- Use positive reinforcement. Praise your child or give him small rewards like an extra bedtime story or a trip to the park when he stops sucking his thumb. Set an achievable goal, such as for him to stop sucking his thumb for an hour before bed. Put stickers on the calendar to record the days when your child successfully avoids thumb sucking.
- Identify triggers. If your child is sucking their thumb in response to stress, identify the real problem and provide comfort in other ways, such as a hug or reassurance. You can also offer a pillow or stuffed animal for your child to snuggle up to.
Provide gentle reminders. If your child is sucking his thumb without thinking instead of using other methods to get attention, gently remind him to stop. Do not scold, criticize, or make fun of your child.
Can a dentist help with this?
If you are concerned about the effect of thumb sucking on your child's teeth, you can check with your dentist. For some children, talking to the dentist about what is necessary to stop thumb sucking may be more effective than talking to mom or dad.
In rare cases, some doctors recommend the use of undesirable techniques such as covering the thumb with a bitter substance, placing a bandage on the thumb, or covering the hands with socks while sleeping.
What happens if nothing works?
Thumb sucking is a habit that is very difficult for some children to break. Try not to worry. Putting too much pressure on your child to stop the thumb sucking habit may only delay his quitting.
Labels
Promatric