Does Your Child Suck His Thumb??

Sucking on a thumb or finger is a completely normal habit that babies develop in utero, that is even before they're born. It's soothing, and it also helps babies make contact with and explore their environment. If sucking habits go on much past the age of 3, however, it's possible that problems pertaining to teeth and occlusion may arise.
In a normal bite, the upper teeth grow to overlap the lower teeth. But it's possible for the pressure of a thumb, finger or pacifier resting on the gums or teeth in variable amounts of pressure to interfere with normal tooth eruption and even jaw growth. Some thumb-suckers develop an “open bite,” meaning the teeth don't overlap when a child bites together; instead, there is an open space between the upper and lower teeth. That's why thumb sucking is something parents should keep an eye on, though intervention may not even be necessary in a majority of cases. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to experience difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. When an active thumb sucker removes his or her thumb from the mouth, a popping sound often is heard. Some aggressive thumb suckers may have problems with their primary (baby) teeth.
Dealing with the habit:
It's important to keep in mind that most children break thumb-sucking habits on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. So the first thing to do when trying to get a child to quit the habit is to simply ignore it. Pacifiers will usually be given up more quickly than thumbs or fingers. Hence opting for a pacifier is acceptable provided it is not dipped in sugar, honey or any other sweetener. If the child seems unable to stop when it's time, positive reinforcements tend to work better than negative (e.g., putting a bitter substance on the thumb). Here are some things you can try:
•    Praise & Reward. Explain to your child why it's so important not to suck thumbs and think of a way to reward them for not doing it. Stickers, small gifts or an activity they enjoy might serve well. Always offer gentle reminders rather than scold when you notice a thumb in your child's mouth, and praise them when they stop.
•    Comfort & Distract. Children have different triggers for thumb sucking. Does your child tend to do it when stressed or bored? If so, some extra hugs might help, or an activity to keep those little hands busy.
•    Get Creative. You know your child best. Maybe there's a method that would be particularly motivating to him. For example, you could tie his pacifier to a helium balloon and send it up to the Tooth Fairy. When she receives it, she can leave a special present under his pillow!
•    Get Professional Help. If your child sucks her thumb, fingers, or a pacifier, be sure to meet a dentist. A counselling session may be all the child needs. If necessary, the child can be fit with a special oral appliance called a tongue crib, which physically prevents thumb sucking and can usually break the habit in a few months.
Thumb sucking is just one reason why it's important to maintain your child's regular schedule of dental checkups, starting from the age of 1 year. A pediatric dentist can teach you and your child effective oral hygiene techniques, help prevent tooth decay, and generally monitor dental growth and development. Though orthodontics can usually fix bite problems that result from sucking habits, it is very much possible to avoid or at least minimize the amount of corrective treatment required.