#AskTheExpert thumb sucking habit is too much

2 Answers

Dr Sameer awadhiyaGuardian of 2 children3 years ago

A. Thumb sucking or habit of taking fingers in the mouth in infants is a very normal phenomenon and its called mouthing reflex and nothing to be worried about it just maintain proper hygiene and with time it resolves automatically. In the toddlers thumb sucking habit is also seen many a times which could be psycological cause and feeling of insecurity or some stress . Just try to make the child comfortable and divert in some other more playful activities also spend good time with the child . In extreme case ,withdrawal can be tried with applying some solution over the finger which are bitter like femite lotion . It needs to be applied locally . apart from this if the habit continues after three years of age it may disturb the dentition of the baby and the teeth may also get affected so +dbthen the habit breaking appliance need to be planned by the advice of a paediatric dentist.

Dr Vandan H KumarFather of a 7 yr 4 m old boy3 years ago

A. babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, which can cause them to put their thumbs or fingers into their mouths . because thumb sucking makes babies feel secure, some babies might eventually develop a habit of thumb sucking when they're in need of soothing or going to sleep. sometimes due to stress also this can occur. it is many times increased during the teething process also. you can wait till max till permanent tooth eruption starts most experts agree that a thumb-sucker younger than 5 shouldn't be pressured to stop stop by 1 positive reinforcement : praise when child does not do it. also offer bed time stories and outside entertainment when child does not do it.c 2 identify trigger as what led to it. stress ?? c 3 gentle reminder. do not scold and severely criticize last option- dentist treatment after 5years