thumb sucking need help!!

Heather - posted on 07/05/2010

Just read an article that says the thumbsucking is actually better for them orthodontically than the pacifier issue, as it takes much longer for it to mess up their teeth. And thumbsucking tends to resolve on it's own (if it doesn't, ask the dentist for suggestions), while pacifier weaning can be way more complicated. Mine's a thumbsucker, but only when very tired or nervous/anxious. I did it too, so I'm not worried much.

Lisa - posted on 06/23/2010

i have a similar issue with my daughter who sucks 2 of her fingers. i worry that it is going to mess up her newly growing teeth!! it's a battle to try and pry those fingers from her mouth. i've tried swapping her over to a paci so that in time we could take that away, but that isnt working. i myself am at a loss!!

Sara - posted on 06/20/2010

I have almost the same problem with my daughter now 2.5. She used a pacifier until she was around 15months then she gave it to the dog and I told her she couldn't have it back. when she realized that the paci wasn't coming back she decided to latch on to her toe instead of her thumb. I've been trying hard to stop her of the darn toe sucking but nothing has worked. I am a preschool teacher and I know students that are 3 and 4 that still suck their thumbs. You can try the stuff called Thumb its a "nail polish" that you put on and it tastes really bad. or just anything your little man doesn't like that will stick to this thumb. Good Luck!!

Rhionna - posted on 06/20/2010

Don't worry about it too much, my 4 year old still sucks his thumb when he's tired. Like you I worried and tried all sorts of things including the nail biting stuff you can get to stop kids biting their nails, well it made him really sick and then he carried on sucking his thumb ( Ireally wouldn't recomend trying that!) but I'm sure he'll grow out of it in time! x

Summer - posted on 06/13/2010

my oldest sucked his thumb until he was 5. Unfortunately, you can't take the thumb away like the paci. We finally asked the dentist and he gave us a device for him to wear at night. (kinda looks like a retainer) It honestly didnt help that much, but it stopped his teeth from messing up any further. All I can say is they will grow out of it eventually. My son is now 8 and the only time I catch him sucking his thumb is in the middle of the night if he is having a bad dream.