I previously posted on the structural damage that can occur when an older child continues to suck the thumb or fingers but have not offered any tips to help the child stop. Here are a few things to keep in mind when attempting to wean your child off of sucking their thumb or finger:
- Use positive reinforcement in the form of praising your child for not sucking the thumb or finger
- Children often use thumb/finger sucking as a way to deal with feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focusing on finding what triggers that anxiety and working towards correcting it may provide comfort for your child
- If your child is older, involving him/her in choosing the method of stopping may help him/her to feel personal responsibility to stop
- Your dentist can offer encouragement to the child as well as an explanation of what may occur if he/she continues to suck the thumb or finger.
These are just a few methods that may help a child to stop sucking thumbs or fingers. Parents know their child and can decide what may work best for him/her.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
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