"Habit is defined as an automatic response to a specific situation acquired normally as a result of repitition and learning." ( Aznar et al)

Thumb/ finger sucking and tongue sucking habits are a perfectly natural way for babies and toddlers to soothe themselves. However, as a child grows there comes a point when this comforting habit can cause more harm than good. Note: sucking behaviours are normal in the first 2-3years of life.

While it is completely natural for children to engage in thumb sucking during the first few years of life, prolonging the habit could cause social awkwardness and damage to the jaw’s growth pattern.

Causes of thumb sucking /tongue thrusting

• Mother's occupation: children with ''working mothers" tend to indulge in this habit, especially if nursed by a Caregiver to ward off feelings of insecurity.
• Number of siblings: as the number increases, attention gets divided.
• Social adjustment and stress: can be due to peer pressure and scolding parents etc

Consequences of thumbsucking/tongue thrusting

Due to the rich blood supply and the quick growth patterns of a child’s jaw, the pressure from fingers and thumbs pushes the teeth and bones out of shape. As such, if your child is a vigorous thumb-sucker or tongue thruster,  the chances of a malformed jaw are much greater and thus the chances of needing orthodontic treatment later in life are much greater too.

MANAGEMENT OF THUMB SUCKING/ TONGUE THRUSTING

• PRAY! PRAY!! PRAY!!!  (yes,  I typed correctly Remember,  "Casting all your care upon HIM, for HE cares for you" I Pet 5:7
• Counselling:

Kindly seek help with a Professional. In this case, your  Dentist, Pediatrician will be most appropriate.

Worrying and anxiety will only do more harm than good.

Note: Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are NORMAL in children less than 3years. Don't be too hard on them please!

• Dunlop's Beta Hypothesis:

This states that "if a subject is forced to concentrate on a habit at the time he practices it,  he can learn to stop performing the habit"

How do I mean?

Tell your 3-5 year old to sit in front of a mirror and suck his/her thumb

Funny right, this punishment is more painful than beating or scolding. Your Child will feel terrible observing himself /herself indulging in this habit. This could help.

• Positive reinforcement: this will be beneficial in children above 3years of age.

For a child who is willing to stop indulging in any of these oral habits,  you can post a sticky calendar on your refrigerator or any other noticeable location and keep a track of habit-free days.

Note: reward your child for making progress. Rewards can be in form of verbal praises or gifts. Don't breech any agreement you make with them.

• Three-alarm system

This is most beneficial in thumb/finger suckers.

Your Child wears an elbow guard with an incorporated alarm system. This alarm starts ringing once the wearer bends the elbow in a bid to place the thumb in the mouth.

• Chemical Treatment: use of hot-tasting pepper, bitter-flavoured distasteful agents on the thumb or finger being sucked.

Examples include pepper juice, bitter leaf juice...

• Other strategies:
• Increasing the arm length of your child's night wear.
• Thumb sucking/ tongue thrusting books
• Use of hand gloves.

If habit persists,  Consult a Dentist, Pediatrician.