Daughter Won’t Stop Sucking Her Thumb

Posted by writeradmin

I don’t know what to do. My daughter is four and she just won’t stop sucking her thumb. I’ve tried everything, even sleeping in her room to keep her from doing it at night, but after I fall asleep, in the mouth her thumb goes. Her front teeth are going to be crooked. what do I do?

Amy

Hi Amy,

The first thing I want you to do is take a deep breath. Believe me, most pediatric dentists know many children are still sucking their thumb at your daughter’s age. Most of those children will quit before they start “big kid school.”  Those that don’t will often quit shortly after that, either from peer pressure or self motivated desire to be more grown up.

I would not make a big deal out of it until her permanent teeth start to come in. If she is still sucking her thumb then, there are aids to help with this habit, such as non-toxic liquid Thum. You paint it on your child’s thumb and when they place their thumb in their mouth it has an unpleasant taste. I wouldn’t use it yet. Give her time to work this out herself. It’s always best if children do this on their own.

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