Doctor in Germiston: Interesting thumb sucking facts

1. Thumb sucking isn’t usually problematic if the child still has baby teeth. However, once the permanent teeth come in, it can lead to dental problems.

2. Children who suck their thumbs often do so when they’re feeling stressed, upset, hungry, or bored.

3. A few other problems with the habit: thumb sucking introduces bacteria into the mouth, the skin on the thumb can become sore and infected.

4. One way to stop thumb sucking is to create a rewards system. As your child goes certain lengths of time without sucking his or her thumb, a small reward can help banish the habit.