I'm 18 and i'm a thumbsucker, my thumb is always in my mouth. i have callouses on both thumbs, how can i get rid of them. i also have braces?

Stop sucking: The only way to permanently get rid of the callouses is to stop the thumb sucking. As with any habit this is not easy and requires lots of will power. Your orthodontist may be able to help you quit by adding a tongue crib to your braces. Another idea that helps is to cover your hand with a sock at night. Use tape around the wrist so the sock doesn't just fall off. Good luck.

Habit Appliance: Habitual sucking is hard on the skin of the thumb and may cause the teeth to become improperly aligned. The best way to remove a callus on the hand is to avoid it. The best solution to thumb sucking is an appliance called a "fixed palatal crib. Ask your orthodontist for more information.

If: If you're 18 and still sucking your thumb there has to be a reason. You probably would benefit from a 2 pronged approach. First, talk to your treating Dentist or Orthodontic Specialist about barrier devices that will help with behavior modification. Second, see a mental health practitioner to see if he/she can discover the cause of your "habit" and help you find a way too deal with it.

Give it up: having your thumb in your mouth is a comforting feeling. You will quickly undo what corrections the braces will make if you cannot stop this digit habit. consider counseling or therapy. Your orthodontist can help with an additional appliance that will act as a reminder that you should not put your thumb in the roof of your mouth