busy hands smile big

What is Thumb Sucking?

Thumb or finger sucking is a natural reflex for babies and young children. This instinctive behavior typically decreases after six months, but some children continue using it as a way to comfort or soothe themselves when feeling restless, frightened, hungry, sleepy, or bored. Over time, thumb sucking can develop into a habit.

Why can’t we have these habits forever?

While thumb or finger sucking is a common childhood habit, if it persists beyond early childhood, it can lead to various problems. These include jaw growth discrepancies, misalignment of teeth, and other long-term complications like a high narrow palate, premature loss of baby teeth, swallowing difficulties, and speech problems. By breaking the habit, children can experience a more balanced facial appearance, clearer speech, and improved dental health.

Best time to break the habit!

Ideally, it's best to help a child break the thumb or finger sucking habit before their permanent teeth emerge, usually around the ages of 4 to 6. With the guidance of a qualified speech-language pathologist specializing in orofacial myology, the negative impacts of this habit can often be reversed in a matter of weeks through targeted therapy.

More About KLC Pediatric Therapy’s “Busy Hands Smile Big”

KLC Pediatric Therapy’s thumb sucking remediation program is designed to help individuals break the habit of thumb/finger sucking, typically in children. The program involves a combination of techniques and strategies to address the underlying causes of thumb sucking and provide alternatives for self-soothing or comfort. At Busy Hands Smile Big, we are committed to helping individuals break the thumb-sucking habit in a positive and encouraging way. Our approach focuses on:

• Celebrating Success: We use positive reinforcement, rewards, and praise to acknowledge and celebrate every step towards overcoming the habit.

• Empowering Choice: We work with your child to explore alternative coping mechanisms and ways to stimulate their palate, giving them a sense of ownership in the process.

• Education and Guidance: We provide both children and parents with information about the potential effects of thumb sucking on dental health and speech development, empowering them to make informed choices.

• Personalized Plans: We create individual plans with achievable goals and milestones to guide your child towards gradually reducing and eventually stopping thumb sucking.

• Ongoing Support: We offer regular monitoring and follow-up to track your child's progress, provide additional support, and adapt the plan as needed.

Our ultimate goal is to help your child develop healthy oral habits and achieve overall well-being in a supportive and encouraging environment.