Thumb sucking and finger sucking are common habits among many children. In fact, nearly one-third of all children suck their thumb or fingers in the first year of their life. Although it was funny and entertaining, thumb sucking can have many different consequences also.
Thumb Sucking Can Cause Oral Health Problems
Unfortunately, thumb sucking can cause a lot of problems that negatively affect oral development of how the teeth fit together. Thumb sucking can cause open bite, in which the top and bottom teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. To help them stop this habit, you can visit the amazon Uk website and purchase thumb sucking prevention devices online.
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What Causes Thumb Sucking?
Boredom, anxiety, anger, hunger, or even sadness can all cause children to suck their fingers for comfort. Children mostly suck their thumb or finger for comfort and self-soothing.
Quick Tips to Defeat Thumb Sucking
Ideally, we recommend children to quit their thumb-sucking habit around the age of four. Children beyond this age are usually able to understand how and why you want them to stop sucking their thumbs.
Identify their Thumb Sucking Triggers
The first step to prevent thumb sucking is to find out what triggers your child sucking their fingers. If you can identify it, then you can help them adapt their behavior with positive reinforcement, or prepare them for the next time the situation.
Intervene
A great way to work on thumb sucking is by intervening when your child is in the act. When you see them sucking their thumb or finger, gently remind them to stop.