Articles
Thumb sucking: Help your child break the habit
Should I try negative reinforcement?
Content
Why do some children suck their thumbs?
How long does thumb sucking usually last?
When should I intervene?
What can I do to encourage my child to stop thumb sucking?
Can the dentist help?
What if nothing works?
Can the dentist help?
If you're concerned about the effect of thumb sucking on your child's teeth, check with the dentist. For some kids, a chat with the dentist about why it's important to stop thumb sucking is more effective than a talk with mom or dad.
Rarely, some doctors recommend using unpleasant techniques, such as covering your child's thumbnail with a bitter substance, bandaging the thumb or covering the hand with a sock at night.
