Posted: 09/29/06 - 23:00 Post subject: Thumbsucking
Hello, I need some help here. My son is almost 4 and he still sucks his thumb. I don’t know hat to do anymore about this. I am worried that he will interrupt the teeth growth. Is it possible that he has some psychological problem or it is common for kids in this age?
I don’t think it is common. If the thumb sucking continues in that age, it may be result from depression, boredom, isolation, or a problem between the child and parents. I don’t think that there is definitive treatment for persistent thumb sucking, but there are several options you can try. I guess you know this but I’ll repeat it for you: use a bitter substance or create a "contract" with the child, a mutual agreement with goals and rewards. And there are Dental appliances, probably best and most effective option.
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