We adults often forget how difficult it was to be a child. The childhood stage is wonderful, but we tend to overlook the fact that it also had its difficulties and problems. Children have to face certain challenges and circumstances that should not be underestimated, as these are times that require a great deal of willpower and effort.
One of them is to give up the dummy and also to stop sucking the thumb. As we pointed out in previous posts on the Velez & LozanoYour dentist in Murcia, dentists do not prohibit the use of dummies, although they do recommend that they should not be used beyond the age of three.
Although it is not yet clear whether it is best to withdraw its use abruptly or gradually, it is advisable to be firm and understanding at the same time. Punishments should never be used in this circumstance, although it is possible to be creative and invent a story about the 'loss' of the soother or the 'theft' by a fictional character.
Some people recommend putting a bit of lemon or vinegar on the teat to make the child feel repulsed when they put it in their mouth. Our trusted dentist can also help us and, if the child is mature enough, explain to him or her why he or she should no longer use the dummy.
In this blog entry from Velez & Lozanodental clinic with a division specialising in the following areas children's dentistry in MurciaWe would also like to offer parents some advice and recommendations on how to help their child to stop thumb sucking.
Sometimes, after giving up the dummy, children tend to turn to their thumb to calm their anxiety. Although parents may not be aware of it, thumb sucking is more damaging to a child's oral health than dummy use and can cause more serious problems in terms of aligning the nail with pharmacies.
Therefore, we must stop this habit in its initial stage so that it does not continue over time and, as with the lollipop, dip the thumb in vinegar or lemon juice, use a plaster or adhesive plaster, or paint the nail with the specific nail polish sold in pharmacies.