thumb sucking

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is normally associated with children. Studies have shown that, even in the womb, babies suck their thumbs. This is connected to a baby’s natural sucking reflex. We are born with a sucking reflex which helps us to feed in the early months of our lives.

This habit generally tends to make babies feel secure. At times of greater stress during childhood, it is common for children to return to sucking their thumb as their mind remembers that it made them feel secure in the past.

The habit is not really a problem at this stage and if parents pay no attention to it, it can disappear by itself. The time to take action is when the child loses its baby teeth and permanent teeth take their place. Continuing to thumb suck when permanent teeth are in place can cause dental problems. In some severe cases, can cause the palate to become misshapen.

Self hypnosis audios are a great way of weaning a child off of it’s habit of putting it’s thumb in it’s mouth. They are especially effective for older children, teenagers and adults. Thumb sucking at beyond 5 years of age can lead to bullying or embarrassment so it is wise to intervene as early as possible.