Thumb Sucking Centre Adelaide

24/09/2021

Another busy at in the clinic. New assessments, Quit Day appointments and little stars finishing up their programs successfully.

Check out the smile on this little star - finishing her program afted 4 months not sucking her fingers. So proud of herself realising that she can do hard things when she sets her mind to it!

17/06/2021

Most kids grow out of thumb and finger sucking before they turn 3.

But what about the kids who don’t?

Turns out, many of these kids have obstacles that may prevent a smooth transition from sucking to mature oral behaviours.

Rather than a simple habit, a thumb/finger sucking habit may actually be providing relief or helping them cope with these issues.👍

Here are just a few:

➡️ Nasal obstruction/Mouth breathing- there’s evidence that suggests that thumb sucking may help kids breathe better through their nose. Have you ever breastfed a baby with a cold? The more you breastfeed, the more they suck and nasal breathe. Outcome: the nose clears.

➡️ Small retruded mandible: we hear a lot about how sucking habits cause this but many kids are born with or genetically possess small jaws. Thumb and finger sucking helps bring the tongue and lower jaw forward creating more space in the airway. Coincidence?

➡️ Tongue tie/tongue function issue: The tongue should naturally sit in the roof of the mouth at rest (lips together). Evidence suggests that this is a neuromuscularly stable position and that kids who have tongue tie or poor tongue mobility use digit sucking to stabilise their oral muscles.

➡️ Low oral tone- kids who have difficulties with muscle functions of the mouth, lips, cheeks and jaws may find they gave more stabilised musculature by when they engage in their sucking habits.

➡️ Gut health- sucking increases saliva which naturally neutralises acid and sucking also creates a peristaltic downwards motion of the esophagus, a helpful action for problems such as reflux. Kids who are suffering from gut health issues don’t suffer! In fact the digit habit becomes a pain relief device- right on tap.

Does your child has one of these obstacles? ♥️

23/12/2020

That’s a wrap for 2020 at Thumb Sucking Centre Adelaide!

To all of the amazing children and families we have met along the way this year, thank you for your support during this extraordinary year! It has been a pleasure helping each and every one of you.

Happy Holidays!

Emily

27/08/2020

Are you at the end of your rope trying to help your child stop sucking their thumb?

We've been there as parents...the frustration, the guilt..sometimes the embarrassment too that your child is still sucking.

We can HELP!

We are proudly Adelaide's one and only clinic to help children stop sucking their thumbs, fingers and dummies. All run by a paediatric speech pathologist.

Our programs offer children something that empowers them and makes them feel like a star. Often kids want to stop sucking but they just don't know how.

We can HELP!
..which can definitely help with the mum guilt and frustration too!

12/06/2020

26/05/2020

It started with my own little girl.

A keen dummy sucker who popped her thumb in her mouth the day I took her dummy away. Her thumb was a part of her life since then.

I tried everything to try and help her break the habit...bandaids, bitter nail polish, talks with dentists, psychologists, showing her pictures of crooked teeth and orthodontic appliances, getting frustrated with her, bribes (oh the bribes!)..but nothing stopped the habit.

Why was I, a paediatric speech pathologist unable to help her?

This lead me to my study into the psychological and physiological causes and affects of thumb sucking and why it can be so tricky for some kids to quit.

This is how Thumb Sucking Centre Adelaide was born and I feel so privileged to help your child!

Book an appointment now to start your child’s special journey.
info@thethumbsuckingcentre.com.au

23/05/2020

It was so good to be back in the clinic today!

Here are two of the superstars I saw today. Two girls on either ends of their Quit journey.

One on her Quit Day - about to start the program, feeing a little nervous and excited rolled into one!

The other was finishing up her program. Feeling so proud of what she accomplished once she put her mind to it!

I wish they could have crossed paths 😊

19/05/2020

I love this post from Carla and The Thumb Sucking Clinic.

Timing is everything when choosing to quit the habit.

We are back helping your little people and booking patients in from this Saturday 23rd May!

“You know she’s getting too old to be sucking her thumb.”

"She'll get bucked teeth you know."

"You really need to do something about that."

Another family gathering....

Or worse...

An encounter with a stranger in the shops....

Even the teacher has said something recently.

And its not like you're not worried about it....I mean, its in the back of you mind. Something you've got to do something about but never really get around to it because
it always seems to upset her or be a drama.

And anyway, the last time you put that thumb guard you bought off the internet on her hand and she was SO upset. I mean, sobbing.

"It hurts."
"Its itchy"
"Its hot."

Plus she can't even wash her hands when she's wearing it.

Anyway, she slips her thumb out when she thinks you're not looking.

One day she got the scissors and cut it off.

I don't blame her really.

Is this you?

Because it was actually me over 10 years ago with my first daughter.

Stressing, worrying....wishing it was easier....wishing people understood.

I know how stressful it can be, having a child who sucks their thumb or finger.

And wanting her to have a happy, beautiful life and, at the same time, not want her to harm her teeth or her jaws, or be a "baby" as she grows older. And then there's the whole germs thing.

But guess what....she did stop. Calmly and easily....finally.

And I wish I hadn't worried.

This is my 3rd daughter, now 5 years old.

She's showing signs of wanting to stop too.

To be a big girl.

So, with Thumbsucking Clinic opening up again this Friday, I'm booking her an appointment in the coming weeks.

It's going to be the right time for her.

It's going to be calm and fun and best of all.......

It's going to be the right time.

I'm excited about seeing patients this Friday at the Clinic! Its been too long :)

(Don't worry, Miss Jane will be back soon too.)

If you need an appointment, give us a call on 07 47 552055.

We are also offering Telehealth visits now if you need one!

See you soon, Carla xx

11/05/2020

We are thrilled to be reopening to patients on Saturday 23rd May!

25/03/2020

With all that has been happening in the last week, it is with a heavy heart that the doors to Thumbsucking Centre Adelaide will close for the moment.

Treating oral habits is not essential right now.

Your family’s health and well-being is.

We are offering Telehealth consultations to our current patients to complete their treatment and we will be in touch.

Stay safe everyone, I am looking forward to seeing you in the clinic very soon.

Emily