Below are some suggestions-
- Instead of scolding children for thumb sucking, praise them when they are not
- Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking
- Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide comfort
- Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents
- Your pediatric dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue
- If these approaches don’t work, remind the children of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your pediatric dentist may recommend the use of a mouth appliance
