What causes finger sucking?
Sucking is a normal, instinctive behavior that babies use to calm and soothe themselves. This may begin in utero, although most babies begin sucking between 3 and 6 months when they have the motor skills to voluntarily put their fingers in their mouths. Toddlers may begin sucking by imitating siblings or other children in their preschool or daycare settings.When should sucking be eliminated?
While it is normal for infants and toddlers to suck, most preschoolers will quit on their own. Even if they don’t show signs of stopping, preschool is too young to intervene. Many preschoolers have not reached a level of motivation that allows them to appreciate physical appearance or to practice self control. Five and six-year old children who have a desire to overcome their sucking habits are ideal candidates for treatment. By eliminating sucking early, associated problems can be minimized and sometimes reversed.What happens if sucking is prolonged?
Prolonged sucking can lead to dental, speech, emotional and physical problems.Dental Problems
Just like orthodontic appliances can reposition teeth, pressure applied by a finger can change the position of the teeth too. The most common types of bite problems associated with sucking are open bites, overjets and crossbites.
Speech and Swallowing Problems
Prolonged sucking is often accompanied by a tongue thrust swallow. This is when the tongue pushes against or between the teeth rather than upward against the palate to swallow. Tongue thrust swallows are frequently related to s distortions or lisps and distortions of many other sounds as well.Emotional Problems
Children who suck their fingers are often perceived by others to be emotionally insecure and immature. This can lead to a social stigma, a poor self image and possible problems with peer interaction.Physical Problems
Side effects such as calluses, infections, and viruses are frequently caused by contaminated fingers in the mouth.