Thumb sucking is one of the most common habits. Parents should pay attention to how their little ones do it.
Generally, they do it because it produces a pleasant and calming sensation. After birth, they continue doing it.
However, from around three months of age, most children start sucking their fingers again.
According to a Colombian pediatrician, “They do it because they feel tired, bored, anxious, or have nothing to do.” Although he confirms that it becomes harmful when done very frequently.
Most children stop this sucking habit spontaneously between 2 and 4 years old. If it persists, parents can use different methods. One mechanism is to distract them with other activities.
According to the specialist, these can be the consequences of this habit:
- Dental damage: Due to the pressure of the finger. The four front teeth will move outward and forward. Also, the palate becomes high and narrow.
- Alterations in swallowing patterns: When saliva passes, the tongue rests against the palate, causing the tongue to not remain in a good position. This leads to swallowing problems and causes deformation of the jaw and displacement of the teeth forward.
How to overcome this involuntary reflex?
- Do not apply anything on the finger.
- Never forbid thumb sucking.
- Reward your child when they do not perform this routine.
- Always keep the baby’s hands very clean to avoid infections.
- Talk to them and explain the consequences if they continue this sucking.
- A pacifier can be another option for sucking but causes the same damage as thumb sucking. However, it should not be used as a silencer, only as entertainment and not to cause dependence.
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