Two Thumbs Up
Questions About Thumb Sucking
Knowing the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of thumb/finger sucking will help evaluate, and determine, if the thumb/finger sucking habit needs to be addressed. Answering these questions will also provide pertinent information that can be presented to the parent if and when discussion is eminent. The following questions will provide a stepping stone to making that decision.
The Health Care Professional
Once the following questions are asked and answered you as the dental hygienist or speech pathologist will be able to provide your patients with knowledge and guidance.
Does this child need to stop thumb/finger sucking?
Is there a developing malocclusion-open bite, excessive over-jet, or crossbite present?
Does this individual demonstrate a low forward rest posture of the tongue?
Is an open mouth rest posture of the lips present?
Are there speech problems evident (Interdental /s/ lisp, /t/, /d/, /n/, /l/ misarticulations)? Staying in your scope of practice (you screen and refer, if warrented).
Is there difficulty in carry over of speech patterns to conversational speech occurring?
Is there a high narrow arched palate present?
Is the thumb/finger sucking strong enough to cause calluses on the sucking digit?
Is the thumb sucking contributing to being ridiculed, harassed, embarrassed or bullied?
Is the child’s thumb sucking in school affecting class participation, less interaction, literally tuning out everything going on around him, which can overtime impede his learning?
Has the child expressed interest in eliminating his thumb sucking habit?
If the answer to all, some, or a few questions is yes then it is time for action. Discuss the complications with the parent and thumb/finger sucking individual and then provide them with information regarding treatment.
The parent
At what age should I become concerned about my child’s thumb sucking?
What type of complications does thumb sucking contribute to?
If my child does not want to stop sucking the thumb what can I do?
Does thumb sucking always do damage to the teeth?
Does my child need to stop thumb sucking?
Who is trained to treat thumb sucking?
Will my child just out grow the thumb sucking habit?
What-damage is occurring if any?
When-is the appropriate age that chronic thumb/finger sucking needs to be addressed?
Where- is the child sucking his/her thumb (at home, at school)?
Why-is the child sucking his/her thumb (is it a habit or are there psychological or medical reasons that need to be assessed and addressed by the appropriate professional)?
Who can help-knowing there is a qualified professional ready to treat thumb/finger sucking and how to locate this professional is helpful when needed.