Finger sucking is a common habit in children. Where children resort to such behavior in order to feel comfortable and safe, and sometimes to attract attention, and also as a way to sleep. Which makes parents confused. How long will the child continue to suck the finger? How can this habit be overcome in order to protect him from the consequences of continuing this matter?

How long does finger sucking usually last?

Children usually stop putting their fingers in their mouths when they are 6 or 7 months old, or between 2 and 4 years old. Although the child has stopped this habit, he may return to this behavior in stressful situations.

When is it worrying?

Thumb sucking is not a cause for concern, except when the permanent teeth begin to emerge, which may affect the alignment of the teeth and the roof of the mouth. The risk of dental problems is related to the number and intensity of the child sucking his fingers.

Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the child receive treatment for the habit of sucking the finger if it continues until the age of five.

However, on the other hand, some experts believe that this habit should be addressed at the age of three.

It should be noted that trying to keep the child away from sucking the thumb by scolding, punishing, or pulling the child’s finger out of his mouth, may produce counterproductive results. Where experts believe that such attempts may lead to a struggle for power.

Also read: Treatment of nail biting in children

Methods of treating the habit of finger sucking

Several methods can be used to help your child stop the habit, especially if the child has the urge to stop.

However, criticizing, reprimanding, or mocking the child should be avoided, as it is not an effective way to help, but it can exacerbate the situation. Among the treatment methods:

1. Talk to the child

By talking about the dangers of this habit, and the need to stop it, while using words of praise and offering simple rewards when stopping thumb sucking, such as:

• Tell bedtime stories
• Candy reward
• Bonus with a going out or a trip to the park

And the reward can be done at the end of every week or month of stopping the sucking habit.

2. A message of reassurance

If the finger sucking is caused by a sense of stress, try to provide comfort to your child and make him feel safe, such as saying reassuring words, or hugging.

The child can also be provided with a pillow or a toy such as a stuffed animal to make pressure on it when feeling stressed.

3. Use a bitter-tasting liquid

A bitter-tasting liquid is placed on the child’s nails and not directly on the finger, especially at night, which may be effective in stopping this habit, by making the child remember this bitter taste.

It is worth noting that such products are available in pharmacies without a prescription.

4. Using natural recipes

Some natural recipes can be used instead of buying a bitter-tasting liquid, which can lead to achieving the same results. Like using a little bit of:

• hot sauce
• Lemonade
• Neem leaves with milk
• the salt
• curry
• aloe vera;
• bitter

It is also used by placing it on the fingers of the child. They are all bitter or spicy recipes that may make your child stop sucking their thumbs.

5. Wear Gloves:

Wearing gloves, a finger-splint, or an adhesive bandage at night can help remind your child to stop the habit.

It can take about 6 weeks or longer for you to stop sucking your finger.

6. Consult a doctor:

If you are worried about your child, especially if he is over three years old. You can talk to your doctor, as there may be other treatment options such as mouth appliances to prevent sucking.