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Saturday, 7 December 2019

Thumb sucking

                                                Thumb sucking



 Thumb sucking is a behavior found in humans, chimpanzees, captive ring-tailed lemurs, and other primates. It usually involves placing the thumb into the mouth and rhythmically repeating sucking contact for a prolonged duration. It can also be accomplished with any organ within reach and is considered to be sooting and therapeutic for the person. As a child develops the habit, it will usually develop the habit, it will usually develop a favorite finger to suck on. 

 Thumb sucking is appropriate and useful behavior for every young child, "it allows them to comfort and entertain themselves."

  At birth, a baby will reflexively, suck any objects placed in its mouth, this is the sucking reflex, responsible for breastfeeding. From the very first time they engage in nutritive feeding, infants learn that the habit can not only provide valuable nourishment, but also a lot of pleasures, comfort, and warmth. Whether from a mother, bottle, or pacifier, this behavior, over time, beings to become associated with a very strong, self- soothing, and pleasurable oral sensation. This reflex disappears at about 4 months of age, thumb sucking is not purely an instinctive behavior and therefore can last much longer, moreover, ultrasound scans have revealed that thumb sucking can start before birth, as early as 15 weeks from conception, whether this behavior is voluntary or due to random movements of the fetus in the womb is not conclusively known. 

  Thumb sucking is sometimes retained into adulthood and may be due to simple habit continuation. Using anatomical and neurophysiological data a study has found that sucking the thumb is said to stimulate receptors within the brain which cause the release of tension, mentally and physically which shows a scientific standpoint regarding the psychological basis of thumb sucking. 

  Children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between 2 and 4 of age. No harm is done to their teeth or jaws until permanent teeth start to erupt. The only time it might cause concern is if it goes on beyond 6 to 8 of age. At this time, it may affect the shape of the oral cavity or dentition. During thumbsucking, the tongue sits in a lowered position and so no longer balances the forces from the buccal group of musculature. This results in the narrowing of the upper arch and a posterior crossbite. Thumbsucking can also cause the maxillary central incisors to tip labially and the mandibular incisors to tip lingually, resulting in an increased overjet and anterior open bite malocclusion, as the thumb rests on them during the course of sucking. 

  As children move past toddlerhood and into the preschool years, the thumb sucking crowd begins to dwindle. Nevertheless, one in five children will still be sucking his thumb or finger past his 5th birthday. Thus is the merciless age, the time when teasing begins. Parents begin to worry because the thumb sucking is causing social difficulties for the child. 

 Prolonged finger sucking also can cause minor physical problems like chapped skin, calluses, and fingernail infections. 

Methods to stop sucking habits:

 - Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they do.

- If a child is sucking their thumb when feeling insecure or needing comfort, focus instead on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child. 

- If a child is sucking on their thumb because of boredom, try getting the child's attention with a fun activity. 

- Involve older children in the selection of a means to cease thumb sucking.

- The pediatric dentist can offer encouragement to the child what could happen to the child's teeth if he does not stop sucking. 

 - Only if these tips are ineffective remind the child of the habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock/glove o the hand at night. 

- Place a bitter-tasting liquid on the nail, at night, as a reminder not to suck. Products for this purpose are sold over the counter, but home remedies can be just as effective. Gloves, or a finger- splint may also be worn at night. 

  While your child is trying to change his or her behavior, it essential to give lots of praise and support, an extra cuddle, a special outing playing a new game together. Be aware of situations that might promote thumb sucking, like tv or riding in the car. Use your imagination to guide your child to other means of solace that are more age-appropriate. 

  If this program doesn't work, don't despair. Breaking a longstanding habit is difficult and some children may need additional help. Talk to your child's dentist, who may recommend inserting a device in the child's mouth that prevents sucking. 


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