Digit sucking is quite a common habit among infants and even preschool kids. For some children, it continues into school-age years as well. Given that most kids suck on their thumb to pacify themselves when they are feeling anxious, it can be a little tricky to curb the habit. Forcing them to stop is a big no as it might make them feel even more scared and confused. For
a while, digit sucking can be substituted by some other habit but ultimately you don’t want your little one to rely on habits that might end up causing more harm in the long run. Hence, it is advisable to approach a Pediatric Dentistry in Carlsbad to find out the rightway of getting rid of this habit.
Digit-sucking habits have several effects on dental healthsuch as anterior open bites, development of crossbites, and even overgrowth of the jaw. Needless to say, this can result in several complications later on. If you’ve already started noticing signs of these potential issues it is advisable to visit a Carlsbad orthodontist. Moreover, studies have also shown that digit-sucking habits can take an emotional toll on a child as well. Children with this habit were found to be
less happy and even less desirable by their friends. This can also result in low self-esteem issues.
Techniques that will help you in stopping your child’s digit-sucking habit
The bandage approach which makes use of the reward as wellas the reminder therapy was found to be an effective technique in eliminating digit sucking habits in school-age children. The following are the steps that must be followed when applying this technique:
1. Selecting the Patient
Choosing the patient is a crucial step in this technique. The most appropriate patient for the application of this technique is one that is aware of their habit and shows the willingness to stop it by undertaking this approach. It is important to note that kids that are not interested in eliminating the habit are not the right candidates.
Another important aspect to consider is whether they havehad any recent trauma such as the loss of a parent, separation from their parents, divorce, change in school, or loss of a dear pet. Whether your child is an appropriate candidate for this technique can be determined by an expert such as a Pediatric dentist or an Orthodontist in Carlsbad.
2. Supplies for the Program
Parents need to prepare for the program by purchasing abandage 2 or 3 inches long. You also need to buy a calendar (a digital calendar won’t do), some crayons, sticky stars, and some colored pencils. You also need to prepare six small rewards for the successful completion of every week of the program. Also, make sure to conduct follow-up calls with your Kids Dentist in Carlsbad todetermine the progress.
3. Implementation
When your little one is about to fall asleep, you can wraptheir arm with the bandage from the mid-arm up until the forearm. Wrap it snugly but make sure that it is not tight to stop the blood flow entirely. While sleeping your child may attempt to suck their fingers but it will be quite uncomfortable because of the bandage. In the morning, they can give themselves a star if they remembered to use the bandage and another one if they believe that they went the entire night without placing their fingers in their mouth. Once they’ve earned around 14 stars you can reward them with their first gift.
Conclusion
Remember that this process may take some time and do not hurry your child. Try to give it at least a month. Moreover, it is important to remember not to use negative comments around your child. Just make use of positive reinforcement to praise your kid when they don’t suck their
thumb.
