Thumb sucking is a common behavior in young children where they place their thumb in their mouth and rhythmically suck. It is usually a self-soothing behavior that children engage in when hungry, bored, nervous or tired. Most children stop thumb sucking naturally between ages 3-6, though some continue into later childhood. The document provides tips for parents on how to help their child stop thumb sucking if it persists past when their permanent teeth begin to come in.

1. Thumb suking

2. Definition :
is a behavior found in humans, It usually involves placing the thumb into the mouth and rhythmically
repeating sucking contact for a prolonged duration
. Thumb sucking can be the result of hunger, boredom, nervousness or tiredness. Most children
stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of 3 and 6. For children who continue to suck their
thumbs as their permanent teeth are beginning to come in,
DESCRIPTION
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A child sucks on the thumb when not hungry.
A child may suck a finger(s) or fist.
A security object, such as a blanket, may become part of the ritual.
Thumbsucking occurs mainly when a child is tired, bored, sick, or upset or when a child
is not using the hands to play.
80 percent of infants suck their thumbs.

3. 
some helpful tips on how you can stop your child from sucking
their thumbs
1. Don’t nag or punish your child for sucking their thumbs as it may create stress and a
reason to suck their thumbs more.
2. Teach your child the reasons why they can’t continue to suck their thumbs. Explain to
them the long term effects of such a habit and what that might entail.
3. Eliminate sources of stress which could be the reason why your child sucks their thumbs.
4. When your child sucks their thumb, distract them with a toy or a song.
If you notice any alternations to your child’s teeth due to their thumb sucking, visit a
123dentist.com location today! We’d be happy to help you and answer any questions you may
have.
Why do some children suck their thumbs?
Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, which can cause them to put their thumbs or
fingers into their mouths — sometimes even before birth.
Because thumb sucking is soothing to babies, some might eventually develop a habit of thumb
sucking when they're bored, tired or anxious.
Many children who suck their thumbs or fingers do so while holding a treasured object, such as a
security blanket.
References
: http://www.livestrong.com/article/39942-side-effects-thumb-sucking/#ixzz2h4BPhZAm

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