Question 1

how do i stop myself from thumbsucking?

Accepted Answer

OTC device or braces: There are some otc devices that attach to your tumb that can prevent thubsucking.  There are also gels that you can paint put on your fingernails that taste very bad that can break the habit.  Also your dentist can make you an appliance that woudl help.  Thumbsucking even as an adult can still cause an open bite.

Question 2

what can i do to break my thumbsucking habit?

Accepted Answer

Many things: This obviously has become a habit at your age. There are some things which you can paint on your thumb which taste horrible and may prevent you from putting you thumb back in you mouth. On children I use a loose fitting glove which works great.

Question 3

what are ways to break the habit of thumbsucking?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis: Hypnosis is particularly effective for this.

Question 4

what can i do to break my childs thumbsucking habit?

Accepted Answer

Choose a battle: It isn't an easy habit to break and more times than not...It might have to run its time. 
They do have that stuff you can paint on their nails but some kids like that after a while.
What we recommend it to place a sock over the hand that contains those delicious  fingers. Or both if need be.  If they pull off the sock...Tape it to their arm or pjs.

Question 5

please advise what is a good way to stop thumbsucking?

Accepted Answer

See Orthodontist: If you are asking with regard to a child, then you can see an orthodontist about an appliance called an orthodontic thumb rake. It's a dental appliance that is placed in the child's mouth - similar to braces - and it gently pokes your child's thumb every time he/she tries to suck on their thumb. It is very effective in stopping the habit.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: thumbsucking?

Accepted Answer

Thumb sucking: Dentists generally call these, digit habits, fingers thumb, finger nails.  If the person seems to have their fingers in their mouth after the initial eruption of the primary teeth they may have developed the habit.  It can be a soothing reflex but can cause growth alterations in the eruption of the teeth and bone growth.

Question 7

would hypnosis stop my thumbsucking?

Accepted Answer

Although I have: Never used hypnosis for thumb sucking, it can be used to break habits and even addictions. Find a qualified clinical hypnotherapist, it will not take long. If you want to stop it should help.

Question 8

how can i stop my 4-year-old from thumbsucking?

Accepted Answer

Stop thumb suck: Limit the time s/he sucks their thumb to the bedroom inside the house and not outside. Praise when s/he is not doing it. Help them understand that when they stop, you will be there for them. You may allow thumb or finger sucking after being hurt/injured. Make them aware of the behavior. Supply an alternative object of desire. They will eventually outgrow the behaviors. Kids eventually give up.

Question 9

can thumbsucking affect your teeth up?

Accepted Answer

Yes: All it takes to move teeth is a little bit of pressure and a lot of time. If someone sucks their thumb for enough hours of the day they will cause the upper front teeth to shift.

Question 10

my 2.5 year old has slightly bucked teeth from thumbsucking. does this mean her adult teeth will be bucked?

Accepted Answer

No: If thumb sucking is stopped before permanent teeth start to erupt it will not have major effect.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Thumbsucking

A member asked:

How do i stop myself from thumbsucking?

A member asked:

What can i do to break my thumbsucking habit?

A member asked:

What are ways to break the habit of thumbsucking?

A member asked:

What can i do to break my childs thumbsucking habit?

A member asked:

Please advise what is a good way to stop thumbsucking?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: thumbsucking?

A member asked:

Would hypnosis stop my thumbsucking?

A member asked:

How can i stop my 4-year-old from thumbsucking?

A member asked:

Can thumbsucking affect your teeth up?

A member asked:

My 2.5 year old has slightly bucked teeth from thumbsucking. does this mean her adult teeth will be bucked?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?