It is normal and common for infants and young children to develop nonnutritive sucking behaviors. It may help them feel secure and happy. It is recommended that the habit cease by age three for optimal dental and skeletal development. When weaning children of this habit, it is important to consider their development, comprehension, and ability to cooperate.
The modalities for treating this habit include behavior modification, patient/parent counseling, and appliance therapy. It is important to note that appliance use is only recommended when the child wants to stop the habit and would benefit from a reminder.
The following are a few suggestions to help with prolonged habits:
Praise you child when they are not sucking, instead of scolding children or badgering them.
If you child has a sucking habit due to a feeling of insecurity, focus on alleviating the cause of anxiety or insecurity. Children who suck for comfort feel less of a need when parents provide comfort.
Along with with consistent, positive reinforcement, organize a reward schedule for your child when they refrain from their sucking habit.
If the habit only persists in the evening, help your child with reminders like a sock over the hand, or a band-aid on the digit.