Finger sucking is a phenomenon seen in normal children up to the age of 3-4 without any psychopathological factors. In order for finger sucking to be considered an adaptation and behavioral problem in children's psychology, it must meet certain criteria.
Most babies suck their thumbs or other fingers. The most important reason why finger sucking, which is a harmless behavior, is seen in almost all babies is that newborn babies learn to suck their fingers while they are still in the womb (uterus) and that one of the strongest reflexes they have at birth is the sucking reflex. In fact, the blisters that are rarely seen on the fingers or wrists of some newborn babies are a result of this.
Almost half of 1-year-old children suck their fingers. It is observed that there is a close relationship between sleep and finger sucking from the age of 9 months, and that babies who are sleepy put their fingers in their mouths. Efforts made to dissuade the child from finger sucking are met with resistance by the child until the age of 3. Some babies suck their fingers as a sign of embarrassment and boredom when their new teeth appear, while others suck their fingers when faced with difficulties. Thumb sucking, which usually becomes more frequent around the 18th month, is expected to disappear around the age of 4. Research has proven that thumb sucking is harmless if it ends at the latest around the age of 5-6, but it can cause deformation in the teeth if it continues. As with bedwetting, constant thumb sucking can also develop as a result of psychological problems and tension.
The Duties of Mothers and Fathers
Meeting the situation patiently without panicking and avoiding constant attention, explaining to the child in simple language that this habit is a babyish behavior and will not look good on others. Constantly bringing up the same habit within the family and drawing attention to the child, thus creating panic and tension, and constantly criticizing the child in order to solve it are considered wrong parental behaviors. A child who sucks his/her thumb at school age continues this habit despite the teacher's warning, parents' criticism, and even the ridicule of his/her friends. In this case, ensuring psychological adaptation to the child with positive advice and explanations can eliminate the problem. What is important here is that the factors that create this habit, which is considered a regression sign, are discovered and eliminated by the parents. For example, the birth of a new sibling can cause the child to develop this type of habit.
A child who chirps, crawls, sucks his/her thumb and starts biting his/her nails enters into a struggle to regain the attention he/she has lost with such babyish movements. As we have stated before, preparing the child before the birth of the sibling, convincing the child that the child's status will continue despite the presence of the sibling and that his/her place is separate, and convincing the child that since the sibling is a relative in need of help, they need to take care of him/her together, all reduce the tension in him/her. Thus, the habits resulting from this tension also disappear over time. Due to its similarity to bedwetting, thumb sucking also decreases with age. In this regard, treatment should be avoided, especially in early childhood. In cases of thumb sucking or bedwetting in preschool children, instead of unnecessary panic, some patient and continuous educational measures should be applied by experts, considering that the parents' influence is also at the root of the incident.
Precautions to be Taken
It should be clearly explained to the mother and father that thumb sucking is a harmless activity in the early stages. As we have just mentioned, it should be clearly explained that thumb sucking does not cause tooth deformities and is not a disease. Because mothers, fathers and family elders who believe in this resort to very severe measures to dissuade their children from this bad habit that will last a lifetime. In fact, those who put hot peppers on children's fingers, beat them, tie their hands and arms behind their backs, stick needles in their hands and fingers and apply painful punishments that they will not forget. These criticisms, scoldings, beatings and applying bitterness to the finger can cause the child to become more negative. They can reinforce that it will remain a behavior to disturb the mother and father. (D. Çağlar-1981)
Finger sucking is not a habit that affects adaptation in childhood or later on. It does not require a special corrective measure. However, improper measures and punishments applied to children who have started to suck their thumbs or have made it a habit may cause many adaptation and sensory problems to occur. The methods applied to break a simple habit may cause new and chronic adaptation disorders that are not related to the situation. (D. Çağlar-1981)
The timing of the treatment is very important. Unless the child wants to get rid of this habit, it is impossible for the treatment to be successful. It is psychologically very beneficial for the child to quit before school age so that he/she does not face peer pressure and is not ridiculed. The child should be encouraged, rewarded and positively guided without being pressured. If the habit is not broken by the age of 6 despite everything, it is necessary to see a dentist and get professional help.
