Re: management of thumb sucking habit

[Anonymous]

Thumb sucking is very common in childhood. It provides children with a sense of security and comfort, subsequently some will have difficulty in giving up the thumb sucking habit and will need some assistance from parents. If the thumb sucking persists it can be a difficult habit to break. If you are concerned, it is important to remember that the key to addressing the thumb sucking habit is to have the child want to stop, without pressure.
The Little Bear who Sucked his Thumb is a book directed at children, for children. The book has been written and illustrated by Dr Dragan Antolos, an experienced dentist with a special interest in thumb sucking habits in children. He deals first-hand in management of dental, social, and functional problems which can arise with persistent thumb sucking. The book and chart are a non-invasive and effective strategy for stopping thumb sucking, and have received positive support from psychiatrists, speech pathologists, and pedodontic societies. He is very mindful that parents and practitioners should not place pressure on children to stop as this is only met with resistance and can entrench the problem.

Dr Dragan Antolos, “It is important to balance the psychological benefits of thumb sucking with the negative impact it has on developing, permanent teeth. If you read books to your child, and your child is a thumb sucker, The Little Bear who Sucked his Thumb is a book you should have. The child will relate to the story and it will deliver a positive message without pressure. The book empowers parents to pro-actively encourage their child to stop sucking on their own terms, when they are ready. I am totally against unremoveable restraining aids placed on children’s thumbs to forcefully prevent children thumb sucking, especially in young toddlers. If your child is a thumb sucker between the ages of two and seven, then The Little Bear who Sucked his Thumb is a simple, inexpensive and effective way to help your child address the habit.”

If you have a specific question regarding thumb sucking, or simply have a story you would like to share, email Dr Antolos at .