THUMB SUCKING AND NAIL BITING IN KIDS

THUMB SUCKING AND NAIL BITING IN KIDS

    There are very common problems. Over 20% children are known to exhibit these sooner or later. Thumb sucking beyond the age of 3 years may adversely affect the teeth in a proportion of children. Nail biting is a phenomenon demonstrated by children beyond 4 years of age. It may continue up to adolescence and even in latter life. The cause is a kind of insecurity, a conflict or hostility. The child seemingly draws a sense of pleasure from such self-stimulations. Treatment consist in reassurance to the parents and guidance that they need not be “fussy” over these benign problems.