Why Does My Child Suck Their Thumb?

Many children begin their ?sucking? journey in utero. Suckling is a natural reflex that infants are born with, essential to their survival. It is part of the Suck, Swallow Breathing mechanism, which develops in infancy during feeding and is responsible for supporting and developing many human functions and behaviours. These include posture and motor development, visual motor skills and development, speech and language development and social/emotional development.

Many babies enjoy a dummy or thumb to self soothe when they are upset or tired. Just behind the top front teeth there is a nerve and blood supply. This specific area is stimulated upon thumb, finger or dummy sucking. Studies show that when this happens, neurotransmissions reduce in the brain as hormones such as dopamine and serotonin are released. These hormones induce a sense of calm, comfort and relaxation.

As they get older, many children continue to suck fingers and thumbs, toys, blankets, pens and pencils, hair and clothes to stay alert, to focus attention as well as to keep calm and self sooth.

This is known as non-nutritive sucking (not to be confused with the important ?oral exploration? stage of infancy from birth to two years). If the child hasn?t stopped by the age of four, it has become a habit. And despite negative feedback from Mum, Dad, Aunty Jill, or perfect-stranger-in-the-street; there is often a mood- enhancing, hormonal pay-off for the child that far outweighs the most disapproving reactions. Also, in many children, the continued sucking could be a result of an underdeveloped Suck Swallow Breath mechanism.

The Orthodontic significance of non-nutritive sucking has been known for some time (?Your thumb will push your teeth out?). This is the upper teeth being pushed out, the lower teeth being pushed in, or both at the same time. What is often forgotten, however, is the orthopaedic influence of non-nutritive sucking. When sucking, the tongue ? which is the natural support for healthy upper arches ? sits low underneath the thumb and continues to do so long after many children quit their sucking habit. In children who suck vigorously or for long periods of time, there are often changes to the shape of the upper jaw. Not only does the shape and size of the upper arch dictate how their adult teeth will fit, it also affects the way child?s face develops as they grow.

For many parents and children, the failure of conventional methods of giving up the thumb or finger has resulted in lots of tears and tantrums (and that?s just the parents!) and stress for everyone. The Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist is a dental or speech professional who studied in this area and who has experience in assisting kids to give up their sucking habits.

If you have a child who sucks their thumb or finger, early intervention is the best way for children to have the best chance at a beautiful face and natural, healthy smile.

If you?re concerned about your child?s sucking habits or oral fixation, contact an Orofacial Myologist or Occupational Therapist nearest you.

Carla Lejarraga is a Dental Hygienist, Orofacial Myologist and director of The Thumbsucking Clinic and The Australian Clinic of Orofacial Myology.

For more information or to make an appointment, check out our website at http://www.thumbsuckingclinic.com.au or http://www.omclinic.com.au.

Source: http://toddsblogs.com/healthandfitness/2012/08/02/why-does-my-child-suck-their-thumb/

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