NORTH CAROLINA — According to a study by The Division of Child Development and Early Education, “vaping”, that is, the use of an electronic cigarette device that uses an atomizer and a container such as a cartridge or tank, which allows the user to inhale vapor, has recently been found highly effective in weaning very young children, aged 2 to 5, off of thumb-sucking completely.
The report, released earlier this year, which contained experimental data including over 100 case studies showed that children, especially in their very younger years, had been totally broken of the habit by age 3 if they vaped at least once every few days or used a vape pen at some point during the night. “A huge incentive of toddlers vaping is the kid-friendly flavors vape pens come in, such as Blue Razz, Pegasus Milk or Menthol Freeze.” Said Dr. Paula Brown, lead author of the research report and department head. “We have found numerous instances in which, once vaping is introduced and becomes a daily or weekly ritual, the urge to orally soothe, whether it’s through the use of the thumb, forefingers, or even a pacifier, is diminished by a significant percentage.”
The Department followed up Brown’s research with further evidence of positive results. “Thumb-sucking can significantly alter the way your child’s jaw develops, which can get worse over time.” Said Professor Carl Yearwood, a research contributor. “Sucking on vape pens, especially those with very accessible, easy-to-inhale caps which are draw-activated and don’t require the use of buttons prevents most oral damage and can also be very virtually undetectable to babies who may still be teething.”
The same Department had also released a follow up report in relation with findings that letting your child play with a vibrator virtually diminished their need for phallic gratification.