Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Thumb-sucking: Helping your child stop

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What problems are caused by thumb-sucking?

Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to dental, speech, and self-image problems.

In rare cases, thumb-sucking after age 5 is a response to an emotional problem or other disorder, such as anxiety. Children with this type of problem need to be evaluated by a health professional.

Test Your Knowledge

  1. Thumb-sucking is bad for all children and should be stopped.

    1. True.
    2. False.

Continue to Why? - Why the action is important? Why is it important to stop prolonged thumb-sucking?
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Author: Amy Fackler, MA
Debby Golonka, MPH		Last Updated: October 2, 2006
Medical Review: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine

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