The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Dear Dr Ombeva
I recently took my son for his first dental appointment and the dentist remarked that his thumb sucking habit was pushing her teeth out. He is now four years old. I’ve tried everything and I can’t make him stop. Why do some kids suck their fingers? What can I do to stop this problem?
Answer
Finger sucking is a common practice of childhood. Due to the sucking reflex, a baby at birth will reflexively suck any object placed in his mouth. Interestingly, most babies who thumb suck begin the habit while still in the womb before birth. The sucking reflex is responsible for breastfeeding, a habit that provides nutrition, pleasure, comfort, and warmth to the baby.
After weaning, the child develops alternative means for receiving those same feelings of physical and emotional fulfillment. Ideally, the finger sucking habit should be broken before onset of permanent teeth, at around 5 years age.
In rare situations, thumb-sucking may be retained into adulthood especially when due to stereotypic movement disorders or psychiatric disorders or just a habit continuation. Some other reasons why a child sucks the finger include lack of adequate nursing or feeding; feeling of insecurity due to inadequate parental care, love and affection; sudden change in domestic or work atmosphere which the child cannot cope with; or stress related to school, friends. These are the areas you must address.
Thumb-sucking persisting beyond three years of age may result in the front teeth being pushed too far forward or spacing of the teeth and therefore poor facial appearance or lead to defects in the developing jaw and facial bones. Other risks include infection from communicable diseases from sucking a dirty finger; social difficulties when the child is taunted by peers for engaging in what they can consider to be an “immature” habit, leading to psychological stress in the affected child.
Do not apply bitter substances on the finger to prevent your baby from sucking it. It is recommended that you praise the child for not sucking, instead of scolding him. If your child is sucking his thumb when feeling insecure or needing comfort, focus instead on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort.
If a child is sucking on her thumb because of boredom, try getting the child’s attention with a fun activity. Involve your older children in the selection of a means to cease thumb sucking. Also visit a dentist, who may explain to the child what could happen to his teeth if he does not stop sucking his thumb.
Dr Ombeva Malande is a paediatrics and child health expert
join