Question

Should a child be discouraged from sucking their fingers?

Answer

Based on past treatment experiences, finger-sucking is a normal behavior in infants and typically does not require special restraint. However, if a child persistently focuses on finger-sucking and it may affect oral development or lead to infection, parents can take some methods to guide the child, such as providing toys or other attention-grabbing items to reduce the time spent on finger-sucking. For some children, using a pacifier may also be an effective solution. In summary, parents should observe their child’s behavior and provide timely and appropriate interventions to promote healthy growth.