Thumb & Soother Sucking

23% of children who continue to suck their thumb past the age of 4 may develop issues with nasal breathing. 

What is Thumb Sucking?

Thumb sucking is a common behaviour among infants and young children, where they suck on their thumb for comfort or as a soothing mechanism. It typically starts in the womb and continues after birth. 

How can Myofunctional Therapy help?

Myofunctional therapy can effectively address thumb sucking by focusing on both the physical and behavioural aspects of the habit. The therapy begins by correcting tongue posture, training the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth, which helps reduce the reliance on thumb sucking for comfort. It strengthens the muscles of the lips, tongue, and mouth through targeted exercises, improving muscle coordination and reducing the need for thumb sucking. 

Additionally, myofunctional therapy helps identify triggers for thumb sucking and promotes alternative self-soothing techniques. By addressing habitual behaviours and promoting nasal breathing over mouth breathing, the therapy supports overall oral function and reduces the habit. It also provides emotional support, building the child's confidence in managing stress without thumb-sucking. Through this comprehensive approach, myofunctional therapy effectively helps break the thumb-sucking habit and supports healthier oral development.

Here’s why it happens and some factors associated with it:

Reasons for Thumb Sucking:

1. Comfort and Soothing: Thumb sucking often provides a sense of security and comfort. It can be a self-soothing behaviour that helps children calm down when they are anxious, tired, or upset.

2. Natural Reflex: For infants, thumb sucking is a natural reflex that helps them explore their environment and develop motor skills. It can also be a way for them to practice and develop their oral motor skills.

3. Teething Relief: Sucking on the thumb can offer relief from the discomfort of teething, as the pressure on the gums can help soothe sore spots.

4. Routine and Habit: In some cases, thumb sucking becomes a habitual behaviour that persists beyond infancy, especially if it was consistently used as a coping mechanism for stress or boredom.

5. Emotional and Psychological Factors: Thumb sucking can sometimes be linked to emotional or psychological factors. It may be a response to stress, changes in routine, or family dynamics.

Potential Issues and Concerns:

• Dental Problems: Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to dental issues such as misaligned teeth or an altered bite. It may affect the development of the dental arch and the positioning of the teeth.

• Speech and Development: Persistent thumb sucking might impact speech development and oral motor function, potentially leading to articulation problems or delays in speech.

• Social Impact: As children grow older, thumb sucking may become a source of embarrassment or social concern, especially if it persists beyond the typical age.

Managing Thumb Sucking:

• Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging and rewarding alternative behaviours or providing comfort in other ways can help reduce thumb sucking.

• Addressing Emotional Needs: Understanding and addressing any underlying emotional or psychological issues can help manage the behaviour.

• Dental Guidance: For persistent thumb sucking, consulting with a pediatric dentist or orthodontist can provide strategies to mitigate dental effects and support healthy oral development.

When should my child stop?

Thumb sucking is a normal part of childhood development, but if it continues beyond the age of 4 or 5, it may be beneficial to seek guidance to address any potential long-term impacts.

Dental professionals have several tools and techniques to help children break the habit of thumb-sucking. These tools focus on addressing both the physical and behavioural aspects of the habit:

1. Thumb-Sucking Deterrent Devices:

• Dental Appliances: Custom-made appliances, such as thumb guards or palatal expanders, are designed to fit in the mouth and make thumb sucking uncomfortable or difficult. These devices physically prevent the thumb from reaching the mouth, helping to break the habit.

• Habit Appliances: These are fixed appliances that can be attached to the teeth to discourage thumb sucking by creating discomfort when the thumb is placed in the mouth.

2. Behavioural Interventions:

• Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging and rewarding the child for not thumb-sucking can help reinforce desired behaviour. This might involve a sticker chart or small rewards for meeting milestones.

• Behaviour Modification Techniques: Strategies such as setting small goals, providing gentle reminders, and helping the child recognize triggers that lead to thumb-sucking can be effective in breaking the habit.

3. Educational Support:

• Parental Guidance: Educating parents on how to support their child in breaking the habit, including providing comfort and addressing stress or anxiety, is crucial. Dental professionals often provide guidance on creating a supportive environment.

• Counselling and Support: Sometimes, involving a child psychologist or counsellor can help address underlying emotional or behavioural issues contributing to thumb sucking.

4. Monitoring and Follow-Up:

• Regular Check-Ups: Frequent visits to the dentist to monitor progress and adjust any devices or strategies as needed can help ensure the habit is successfully broken.

• Feedback and Adjustment: Providing feedback and making necessary adjustments to the intervention plan based on the child’s progress and response can enhance effectiveness.

By combining these tools and techniques, dental professionals can create a comprehensive approach to help children stop thumb-sucking and prevent potential dental and developmental issues associated with the habit.