How and when should I put the ax on thumbsucking?

Asked by textmom {158}
http://FunnyYellowMom.Blogspot.com
4/12/2010 1:13:40 AM

My daughter will be three in 2 months and is a thumbsucker. It doesn't bother me and she only really does it when she gets tired. I figure she'll probably stop once she starts some school and see other kids don't do it anymore, but I've heard it can be really bad for her teeth. When is enough enough and what are some good methods to curb the thumb sucking that aren't too harsh?

Flag as inappropriate

Answered by chasingzzzs {169}
4/12/2010 3:00:33 PM

[0 Votes]

Vote this up

Flag as inappropriate

Sorry I don't have any suggestions for how to curb the habit, but wanted to say that my daughter is the same age as yours and also a thumbsucker. Our dentist told me that there should not be any permanent damage to her teeth unless she continues on well beyond her fifth birthday and that typically children will give it up well before that.

Add a comment

Answered by DirtyMonkey {108}
4/13/2010 2:03:10 AM

[0 Votes]

Vote this up

Flag as inappropriate

I remember I sucked my thumb for a LONG time. lol I also remember my mom using some of that nasty tasting stuff on me. I'm not sure if you can even still get it. Even then, I didn't think it was harsh, just made me mad that my thumb tasted like tabasco sauce and I really wanted to suck it but couldn't handle the heat. (I think that's why I'm such a wuss about spicy foods now! lol) I never wore braces and have perfectly straight teeth. I dated a guy for a while and we used hot sauce on his daughters thumb. Worked. She also has very beautiful straight teeth and is now 8 or 9.

I wouldn't use hot sauce for very young children. It can cause their tongue and throat to swell, cutting off the airway. - Mom2Boys 4/19/2010 5:11:50 PM | Flag

Add a comment

	Comments from Facebook
		Jennifer Crowley-Dougherty I know 2 people who are over 30...and they still suck their thumb...break her of it now!!! Thursday, June 30, 2011

		Chanderlyn Smith Vinegar dip;) Thursday, June 30, 2011

		Jennifer Hartwell Yep, you gotta break her of it now!!! It will only get worse as she gets older. Thursday, June 30, 2011

		Kim Smith I didn`t want to let my son suck his thumb, but my Dr. said to let him. I wanted to avoid the whole process of making him stop. We will be there soon. They normally stop on their own. If not, you have to help them before their adult teeth come in. Try talking to her about being a big girl. Thursday, June 30, 2011

		Stephanie Cobb Collingwood Our three year old just decided it was time. It was tied to wearing nail polish, but it was all her call. My 2 year old still does, and when she is ready to move on she will. Thursday, June 30, 2011

		Rebecca Schroeder Moylan I agree, you gotta break your son of it. My sister did the same thing and eventually the dentist told my mom that you have to stop it, because it will cause problems with her teeth. The earlier you do it the better, the longer you wait the harder it will be. Good Luck! Thursday, June 30, 2011

		Marisa Robinson Immediately!!!! Thursday, June 30, 2011