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Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a common behavior in infants and preschool children, often serving as a source of comfort during various emotional states. While it is typically harmless, persistent thumb sucking beyond age 4-5 may indicate emotional issues and should be addressed by a mental health professional. Management strategies include using unpleasant coatings on fingers and involving the child in the decision to stop, with parental support being crucial.

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Mentallah Osama
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6 views2 pages

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a common behavior in infants and preschool children, often serving as a source of comfort during various emotional states. While it is typically harmless, persistent thumb sucking beyond age 4-5 may indicate emotional issues and should be addressed by a mental health professional. Management strategies include using unpleasant coatings on fingers and involving the child in the decision to stop, with parental support being crucial.

Uploaded by

Mentallah Osama
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Thumb sucking

:Causes

Sucking is the infant's chief pleasure and may not be satisfied by bottle .1
.or breast feeding
.It is employed by children when they are falling asleep, tired, bored or unhappy .2
Many think thumb sucking is a learned behavior, but recent evidence shows that .3
many infants suck their thumb or fingers in utero and continuous behavior
.Immediately after birth
.Prolonged thumb sucking could be an indication of an emotional disturbance .4

Incidence

of infants, 30-40% of preschool children and 5% - 20% of these 6 years of age 90% .1
.and older suck their thumbs
.The activity is slightly more prevalent in girls .2

:Alert

:Refers to mental health professional for the following

.Thumb sucking persists past 4-5 years of age *


.The child becomes affected by the negative comments by playmates or relatives *
.There are changes of oral cavity and dentition *
: '' Management '' child over 5 years

Over the counter unpleasant, bitter substances are available to coat the finger. .1
Applying in the morning, at night and whenever the behavior occurs. Counsel the children that the
.liquid is a reminder for them, not a punishment at night
Elbow immobilizers prevent the arm from ending thus keeping the fingers away .2
.from the mouth
Severe emotional or stress related problems should be ruled out before behavior .3
.modification is attempted
.The child should be involved in the decision; the child must want to stop .4
Encourage parents to give support, patience is essential, as it may take time and the .5
.child can relapse

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