Thumb sucking

United States
January 25, 2007 4:27am CST
Any ideas as to how I can get my son to stop sucking his thumb?
3 responses
angelagomes77
@angelagomes77 (198)
• Singapore
28 Jan 07
My girl was a thumb sucker till she was 5. We brought her to the dentist once and he said her thumb sucking was pushing her teeth too forward. He suggested wrapping her thumb in gauze to prevent her from sucking. It actually worked! She didnt like it much at first but got over the fact that her thumb was off limits from the mouth. To take the place of the thumb, I gave her a small face towel...lol.which she used to twiddle the sides on her face with to fall asleep.
1 person likes this
hottyb21
@hottyb21 (64)
• United States
28 Jan 07
That is very interesting. I am glad it worked. My sons teeth are begining to seperate as well. I will definitly try this because it was a success with you hopefully it will be here also. Thank you for this information.
hottyb21
@hottyb21 (64)
• United States
28 Jan 07
Thanks again, and I hope this works, I am glad you responded. I will let you know how it goes.
angelagomes77
@angelagomes77 (198)
• Singapore
28 Jan 07
all the best! Just so you know, it took about a week. and the towel..it became more like a "security" blanket for her. But she outgrew it on her own after 2 yrs
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tammyr
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
27 Jan 07
I tried one of the stop sucking oils that you put on the thumb, my son asked for more!LOL I would say that it will go away on it's own, as the child grows up, but I have seen grown=ups still sucking their thumbs. My son only did it at nap, and bedtime, but stopped on his own at the age of 5-6. It is comforting to them and I did not see that it was a big problem. I would guess if it is only at sleep times it should go away on its own. If it is all, or most of the time, talk to this doctor the next time he is being seen. I found a cute site that might be of help to you it is www.oliverthebear.com check it out, and good luck!
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hottyb21
@hottyb21 (64)
• United States
28 Jan 07
Thank you very much for this. I like that site. My son is going to be 4 in March and well he sucks on his thumb when he goes to sleep or when he gets mad or upset. He also does it when he is just watching tv. But I am going to try that book. Thanks again very much!
kitokito
@kitokito (110)
• Philippines
25 Jan 07
How old is your son?? A toddler?? Try putting some bitter gourd juice on his thumb without him knowing. Maybe he'll stop because of bitter thumb. Let me know if it works :)
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hottyb21
@hottyb21 (64)
• United States
25 Jan 07
Thank you! My son is 3 he will be 4 in March. I will try this thank you.