Dr Vandan H KumarFather of a 7 yr 4 m old boy11 months agoA. Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, often leading them to suck their thumbs or fingers for comfort, especially during stress or teething. Thumb sucking can become a soothing habit. It's generally okay until permanent teeth start to appear, and experts recommend not pressuring children under 5 to stop.
To help stop the habit:
1. Use positive reinforcement: Praise the child when they don't suck their thumb and offer alternative activities like bedtime stories.
2. Identify triggers: Look for stress or other factors that lead to thumb sucking.
3. Provide gentle reminders: Avoid scolding or harsh criticism.
If necessary, consult a dentist after age 5 for further intervention.
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