Thumb Sucking a Neurological Disorder?

I found some information online not too long ago from a Medical History journal that had a very interesting viewpoint on thumb sucking. Apparently, in the early 1900’s, thumb sucking in children was considered a brain disease and a neurological disorder! How crazy is that? Clearly that sounds ridiculous now and we know that thumb sucking is simply a habit that many children have a hard time breaking.

It is important for parents to realize that thumb sucking is not something that can damage a child psychologically for life, but instead is something that you can help and encourage them to put an end to.

Even though it is absolutely by no means a brain disease, it can have lasting effects on your child’s mouth, bite, jaw or teeth.

Consequences of continual thumb sucking can include:
-Changes in the pallet of the mouth which could result in a cross bite in your child’s mouth.
-The prevention of front teeth from coming in completely, which will significantly alter your child’s bite.

-Creating a “rabbit tooth” or “buck tooth” effect in your child’s mouth that will remain unless fixed by orthodontics.
-Weakening in their chins or jaws.

Things in the 1900’s were incredibly different than they are today. This clearly includes ideas and opinions in the medical field. So don’t worry, your child does not have a neurological disorder if they are thumb suckers. But what they might be doing is causing permanent damage to their mouths. Getting your child to stop sucking their thumb sooner than later is definitely recommended.

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Thumbsucking and Ethics. Are Some Methods Cruel?

We frequently see and hear many different ways and techniques you can use to attempt to get your child to stop sucking their thumb. While we have our own personal favorite method to stop sucking thumbs, some people go different routes. But are some of these methods cruel? Can you go too far and push ethical boundaries when attempting to get your children to stop? You be the judge.

Some people purchase and use foul and disgusting tasting liquid to paint on their children's thumbs. While it may be effective, is getting your child to stop a habit that they are so accustomed to by painting a foreign, horrible tasting substance on their finger fair? Who is to say? They have no say in the decision and now they will be physically punished for continuing a habit that they probably have been comfortable with their whole life.

Maybe some parents don't want to put the terrible tasting substances on their children, so they opt for the second closest thing. They may put spicy or hot sauce on their children's thumbs or fingers. Not only can this get messy, but it also again punishes your child and their taste buds. We even came across one case where an individual refused to eat spicy foods well into their adult life because of the negative memories she had associated with the flavor.



The decision for how to get your child to stop sucking their thumbs is 100% up to the parent or individual encouraging the child to stop. Whatever way you choose, please consider all options and consequences associated with each. Remember, encouragement, not punishment, is the best approach.

Why Your Child is Sucking Their Thumb & How You Can Help Them

Thumb sucking is a completely natural habit that thousands and thousands of young children find difficult to break. The longer you wait to help them break their habit, the harder it will be for them to quit. While we know that thumb sucking is a very common thing among our children, we may not know some of the reasons why they are sucking their thumbs. Understanding these reasons can make it easier for us to assist them in breaking their thumb sucking habit.

If your child is still a young baby, they most likely are sucking their thumb because they are teething. This act will sooth the pain of a tooth that is growing through the skin. They also may suck their thumbs as a way to find comfort and relaxation before falling asleep. While these are not the only reasons that children suck their thumbs, it is important to remember that the habit is natural and that you must be patient and understanding when attempting to help them quit.



Remaining patient is key. You are not going to be able to get your child to quit sucking their thumb in a day or two. When they are about to suck their thumbs, distract them. Distracting your child by giving them something to play with or hold on to is a good way to keep their minds off of their thumb sucking habit. If they usually suck their thumbs before falling asleep, engage in other relaxing activities with them such as story telling or giving them a stuffed animal that they can hold on to with both hands. Then, monitor them until they are deeply asleep to make sure they do not go right back to sucking their thumb.

Of course, this all much easier said than done. Getting your child to stop sucking their thumb is an important step that also can be very frustrating. Thankfully there are products that can help in this process. One in particular, the Thumbusters glove-like device, is effective in helping children break their thumb sucking habit.

Whether you attempt to use a method or product, it can be a long journey for you and your child. So please, remember to be patient with them. Good luck on you and their journey to stop thumb sucking!

The Facts About Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a very common and also very natural habit for young children. Babies have been shown to even suck their thumbs while still in the womb! It is estimated that about 80% of infants and children suck their thumbs at some point during their early lives. That number decreases to about an average of 15% when children reach the age of four. 15% is still a very large percentage and while you may be confused as to why your child insists on sucking their thumb, there are a number of reasons for the habit. Many children suck their thumb when they are scared, anxious or nervous. Tired, bored and children in need of soothing have also frequently been found to suck their thumbs.

As mentioned, thumb sucking is an incredibly common and normal thing. But you want to break your child’s habit as soon as possible. If the habit persists far into their childhood, certain consequences and side effects could arise. These may range from damage to permanent teeth which will cause dental and orthodontic problems, to self-esteem or social side effects.

The thing that is important to remember is that thumb sucking is perfectly natural and normal. Intervention for a very young child is not necessary. However, when a child still has the habit anywhere from the age to 4-6, it may be time to intervene. If positive reinforcement and encouragement do not work to break the thumb sucking habit, perhaps a physical barrier such as a stop thumb sucking Thumbusters glove is the solution.

Thumb sucking is perfectly normal and also a habit that you can help your child break. Just make sure that you don’t wait too long.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Thumbusters Blog! We will share information, statistics, advice and answer any questions you may have about thumb sucking on this blog. We want to do whatever we can to help you or your child learn about and stop a thumb sucking habit.

Please check back frequently and join in on the conversation!

Also check out our website at www.Thumbusters.com

Thanks a bunch and have a great day!
-Thumbusters