|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Astrology
Chat
Cityscape
Classifieds
Entertainment
Health
Matrimonial |
|
To stop thumb-sucking Thanks to folklore and to Freud, people have all sorts of ideas about the significance of thumb-sucking in children.
"This is usually very reassuring news to parents: thumb and finger-sucking habits are common, and typically harmless behaviors of infancy and childhood," Ramsay says. Roughly one out of every three children, ages 1 to 4, will suck his or her thumb at least sometimes. About one in five children will still be doing so at the age of 5 or older. The habit is typically harmless if the child does it occasionally, such as during "tuck in" at bedtime, or in association with a stressful event. But older children who suck their thumb or finger chronically may need guidance from parents and a dentist to stop the habit. That's because the chronic sucking habit can cause the child's permanent teeth to become crooked.
If you're in doubt, discuss the matter with your dentist. You may be reassured to learn that if your child is tapering off the thumb-sucking, there is probably no need for treatment. That's particularly true if the child still has baby teeth. "If the habit stops before the permanent teeth erupt, dental problems are usually self-correcting," Ramsay says. Oftentimes, children themselves will want help to stop. It has to do with social acceptance. Studies have shown that children are less likely to want to sit next to or be in a class with another child who is sucking his or her thumb. If you think your child has a problem, you might want to ask an orthodontist for advice on some of the following methods to deal with the habit:
Your orthodontist will also give you advice about how you can gradually phase out the use of these methods to keep the habit from returning. In some cases, it may be appropriate for your orthodontist to install a device inside the child's mouth that interferes with the thumb or finger entering the mouth. The device hangs down from behind the upper front teeth. It allows the child to eat, but interferes with thumb-sucking. The appliance may need to stay inside the mouth for six to 10 months to be effective. (Based on net resources) Published on 23rd June 2002
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
Copyright
2008, Chennai Interactive
Business Services (P) Ltd. |
|
But there's no evidence that thumb-sucking is anything but normal, says Dr. Douglas Ramsay, associate professor of pediatric dentistry at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle. 
"The kids you worry about are the ones who suck their fingers while watching TV and while they're in the car and while they sleep and oftentimes, during school. These children can develop dental problems," Ramsay says. 
Initially, you might try ignoring the behavior. In other words, don't give the child attention when he or she thumb-sucks. Some children unconsciously suck their thumb in order to get attention, even if it's disapproving attention. 
