Thumb Sucking - Kicking the Habit

Thumb sucking is natural for children to do.  Many ultrasounds have found infants sucking on their hands, thumbs, fingers and toes.  Most children will outgrow the need for sucking by age 3.  For those who do not, assistance in quitting may be needed. 

This habit is not an easy one to kick for many reasons.  For starters, sucking is very soothing and research has shown that it actually releases endorphins.  Endorphins are small, protein molecules that are produced by the pituitary gland and give a sense of analgesia and a feeling of well-being.  The thumb can also be on auto-pilot, which means the thumb goes in the mouth with the person not even realizing it.  There are several triggers throughout the day that can lead to thumb sucking, such as reading, watching TV, boredom, stress, riding in a car and loneliness of bedtime. 

Prolonged thumb, finger and pacifier sucking can cause a number of problems if left untreated.  The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics both agree that after age six chronic thumb/finger sucking needs to be addressed. 

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding these types of habits at 734-341-9890 or email me at bom@burtonom.com.