It can be frustrating and scary to be the parent of a thumb-sucking child. As soon as they’re older than five, every year they continue to suck their thumbs, putting their mental and physical health at risk. Thankfully, thumb-sucking is a problem many children experience, so there is a multitude of information on the different ways people approach the issue.
In this article we’ll explore the effectiveness of some of the most popular oral replacements like chew toys and food items in stopping the thumb sucking habit and share some healthier alternatives.
Top Oral Replacements to Stop Thumb-Sucking
Popsicles and Freezepops
Babies and children suck on their thumbs because the action makes them feel safer and more secure. Therefore, many parents may introduce a popular food item like a popsicle or freezer pop to redirect the child away from their thumb. While this tool may help temporarily, there are several downsides to consider.
First, popsicles are often high in sugar and can lead to cavities, especially as this tool is used more. Popsicles often create a mess and are not a feasible solution for children at school or during bedtime. Relying on cold treats to distract children from thumb sucking can affect mealtime and reinforce an unhealthy snacking pattern. Popsicles also don’t treat the underlying causes of thumb sucking and even reinforce oral fixation.
Lollipops and Hard Candy
Many parents may also offer their children lollipops or other hard candy to suck on to distract their child from thumb sucking or as a reward for not sucking their thumb. However, this tool poses similar risks to popsicles and freezer pops.
Candy is often high in sugar and can be addictive for young children, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay. For younger children, candy can pose a serious choking risk if the child is left unattended. Lollipops and candy also do not address the underlying causes of thumb sucking such as stress, anxiety, and boredom. Finally, this oral replacement is not suitable for school settings or bedtime; limiting its application greatly.
Reusable Straws
When a child sucks their thumb, they are enjoying the pressure in their mouths. Some parents may look to suction toys like reusable straws to emulate this sensation and distract children from sucking their thumb.
Like many oral replacements for thumb sucking there are several issues with using straws to stop thumb sucking. First, overuse of straws can contribute to oral motor patterning that affects dental or speech development. Straws also do very little to treat the causes of thumb sucking and may not be appropriate for most settings where thumb sucking occurs. Finally, thumb sucking can reinforce the reflex of sucking rather than safely helping a child outgrow it.
Chewing Gum
For older children, chewing gum might be a viable option to temporarily redirect attention from thumb sucking. However, there are several key factors to consider.
First, chewing gum is inherently unsafe for younger children as it can pose a choking hazard. Even for older children, chewing gum might be swallowed accidentally if they’re playing, lying down, or trying to talk. Another issue with chewing gum is that most schools and more formal environments don’t allow it. Additionally, chewing gum is only a replacement habit and doesn’t address the underlying psychological factors that cause thumb sucking.
Chew Toys
There are many sensory toys like teething rings and necklaces that may be used to redirect children from sucking their thumb. Like food-based solutions, these oral replacements pose several risks.
First chew toys can prolong oral fixation and lead to dependency as they replace one habit with another. These toys can also pose general health risks as they may lead to bacterial buildup or pose a choking risk. For younger children, chewing and sensory toys can delay speech development if they’re overused. These toys also require parental monitoring to ensure safety, making them inappropriate for school settings.
Chewable Gloves
Some companies offer chewable gloves that promise to protect the thumb and finger while calming the child who wears them. Like chew toys these gloves have several limitations that make them a less ideal solution for addressing thumb sucking habits.
First, these gloves are often made of soft fabrics which can become damp and lead to bacterial growth with frequent use. These devices can also reinforce the thumb sucking habit by keeping the child’s focus on seeking oral fixation rather than finding better habits. Chewable gloves can also interfere with play, fine motor skills, writing, and drawing.
What should parents use instead to treat thumb sucking?
Instead of finding a new habit to replace the old, parents should address the cause of their child’s thumb sucking, introduce positive behavioral reinforcement, and look into a non-invasive device.
One of the most effective methods for breaking a thumb sucking habit is a handguard that covers the area in question. The TGuard AeroThumb employs medical grade plastic to eliminate the potential suction from finger sucking and stop this habit in its tracks!
Oral Replacements for Thumb Sucking Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any risks in presenting an oral replacement to a kid that is sucking their thumb?
There are several downsides to relying on an oral replacement to treat thumb sucking including:
- Dental and speech development issues
- Not addressing the root cause of thumb sucking
- Difficulty addressing the habit in certain environments
- Reinforcing oral fixation
- Creating extra mess or clean up
- Disrupting usual schedules or patterns
Are oral replacements better than thumb sucking?
While oral replacements such as chew toys and foods might be less imminently harmful than thumb sucking, they can still lead to negative behavioral patterns. Presenting an alternative habit might lead to continued oral fixation, different health issues, and prevent addressing the root cause.
My child has picked up one of these oral replacements, what can I do?
It’s completely normal for a child to latch on to a different habit as you try to stop thumb sucking, especially if their new behavior alleviates stress or provides comfort. If your child has started chewing or sucking on something else, there are several ways to help them move on:
- Set gentle limits about when this replacement can be used such as only during bedtime or quiet time at home
- Introduce healthier stress alleviating techniques such as soft toys, sensory bins, books, music, or calming routines
- Talk openly and use positive language to encourage your child to learn new ways to feel safe and calm
- Participate in new and healthy habits with your child such as reading together, going on a walk, listening to their favorite music, or making a craft
If this habit continues despite your interventions, consider seeking a pediatrician to assess your child’s emotional needs and present strategies for long-term health.
Is TGuard habit forming?
Unlike oral replacements, TGuard’s AeroThumb and AeroFinger are not habit forming as they do not offer in suction sensation for children. These products are designed to be used for a short time then slowly phased out as a child moves past their thumb sucking habit.
