Babies and infants suck fingers and thumbs to feel secure and comfortable. But why do older children do it? This is because it is a way of self-soothing for them, too. Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for infants.
So, it’s something they just figure out on their own and it comes naturally. After all, babies need to suck more when they feed, so thumb sucking just fits in with the natural order. To purchase thumb sucking prevention devices online, you can go to this website.
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It's not too uncommon to see a toddler wandering around with their thumbs in their mouths, either. This is especially true when they are frustrated or angry. However, thumb sucking in children older can cause speech and dental problems, in later life, even result in social consequences as they grow older.
Most children give up thumb sucking them in about 2 or 3 years, but children continue to eat away at their thumbs after the age of 5 only appears to be in the habit.
While thumb sucking is comforting and soothing for babies, small triggers like anxiety, tension, insecurity, boredom, upset, or even tiredness can cause older children to seek comfort, too. If your child is beyond the toddler age and stuck in the habit, it’s going to take some understanding and patience to help them kick the habit.
Children beyond the age of 5 who regularly suck their thumbs risks affecting the way their teeth appear in the mouth. In fact, they are at risk of developing a gap between the upper and lower teeth.