Thumb sucking is commonly associated with infants as most of infants are seen sucking their thumb.You hardly find a child not resorting to this habit.About 70-90% of infants suck their thumb as it provides them a sense of security.
For some children sucking their thumb becomes a substitute for comfort , pleasure & safety.Although it might , no doubt , appear a harmless habit,being bad, it can lead to dental and speech related problems.
Why do children suck their thumb and what problems can arise of such habits should be consulted with an experienced clinician.Many infants tend to stop the habit on their own between two and four years of age but quite a few carry on beyond this age which can prove detrimental and might require a consultation with a specialist dentist.
Invariably, the typical parents might resort to extreme measure of scolding kid or resorting to punishment which might make the child more adamant towards habit.
For Most kids a consult and discussion with dentist about why its important to stop thumb sucking is more effective.
