Finger or thumb sucking can cause problems such as crooked teeth, abnormal swallowing, speech defects, a lisp and distorted facial structures. The frequency and intensity of the habit will determine what effect it will have on the teeth and face.

Some suggestions on prevention and treatment:

• Since sucking is a form of comfort, give your child comfort and understanding rather than scolding. For the newborn, replace a sucking thumb or finger with a pacifier.
• Reward your child when you notice he’s not sucking during a difficult situation or when he’s going to sleep. A chart with stars or stickers for days when your child was successful, trip to the park, etc.
• A band-aid or sock on the hand, before sleep, may be a helpful way of reminding him not to suck his thumb.
• Replace routine activities when your child is likely to suck a finger such as watching television, with other activities. Encouragement and positive rewards will prove to be more successful.