Thumb-sucking: Helping your child stop
Introduction
Many infants and young children calm themselves by sucking their thumbs. While most children will stop on their own between ages 3 and 6, some continue past the age of 4 or 5. Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to serious dental and speech problems. By using lots of love, encouragement, and a few simple steps, you can help your child succeed in breaking the thumb-sucking habit.
What problems are caused by thumb-sucking?
Why is it important to stop prolonged thumb-sucking?
How do we start?
Where to go from here
Return to topic:
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: September 12, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
 | ||
| |