Thumb sucking is a common habit of preschool children. The activity is normal for infants and toddlers. Thumb sucking is a very normal response to anxiety and stress and does not point to insecurity or emotional problems in child. The pleasure in the habit is derived from the contact of skin of thumb with oral mucous membrane. Thumb sucking also creates an intense negative pressure in oral cavity/mouth which can affect life long because the cheek muscles become hyperactive due to over action.

Thumb sucking usually begins by 3 months of age. A child usually sucks his thumb when he is tired, bored, sick, or upset or when he is not using his hands to play. Thumb sucking lasting beyond age 5 and can usually be prevented by little effort.

Here are some methods which will help you to prevent thumb sucking:

1. If the thumb sucking occurs when your child is over 1 year old, try to distract him. Give him something to do with his hands without mentioning your concern about the thumb sucking.
2. Praise your child whenever you notice he is not sucking his thumb in situations where he previously did. This will build his self confidence and also give him a reward at the end of any day during which he did not suck her thumb at all.
3. If a child is sucking on their thumb because of boredom, try getting a child’s attention with a fun activity.