What can i do to get my 6 year old son to stop sucking his thumb? hes starting to mess up his teeth.

See an orthodontist: There's always the stick-his-thumb-in-something-gross-tasting method, like tabasco or whatever. That requires constant supervision and determination. Or you can visit an orthodontist and they can help determine if some sort of oral appliance may help. Good luck.

Needs to stop: Thumb sucking, as you are now aware influences teeth positions. I assume you have explored the "home remedies" of sock over hand, tabasco sauce, threats of death (kidding), and rewards. Your dental professional may elect to fabricate a thumb appliance which breaks the seal between the roof the mouth and thumb so that is not satisfying anymore. Good luck with a tough problem.

Thumb appliance: Once the 6 year old molars are erupted you can place a retainer that will prevent your child from sucking his thumb. It is called a fixed palatal retainer. This is normally a very effective way to prevent this habit and the effect thumb sucking has on the teeth positions. I would recommend this since continuing this habit after the ages of 4-5 can cause improper growth and position of teeth.

Thumb crib: An orthodontist can attach a device called a thumb crib which is a strong reminder to help break the habit. If a child is determined to break the habit this appliance is a big help. It looks outlandish but is tolerated very well and most importantly interrupts the pattern.

Tumb guard: Buy a tumb guard that he is unable to remove. He only wears it at home and not in school.

See an orthodontist: There are ways to get him to stop by using special appliances. You need to see a dentist or an orthodontist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Bluegrass appliance : A bluegrass appliance can help. It consists of bands on the upper molars that support a wire containing a cylinder that spins. The patient cannot get a purchase on his palate and often will stop thrusting. Another approach is to teach the patient to "suck" the tongue off the roof of his mouth. It makes a clicking sound that might drive you mad but it works. See your dentist.

Need to stop: It can be difficult to get them to stop. 1. Bad tasting stuff on thumb, usually they just suck it off. 2. Tape a mitten or sock over their hands. 3. If they absolutely will not stop, i build a crib that attaches to perm molars so they can't get their thumb in their mouth. 4. Last resort, add a sharp prong in the crib so it pokes their thumb. This almost always works, but is the most harsh treat.

Hard habit to stop: Most six years olds who have sucking habits only do it when they are tired ad/or at night, not when they are with their friends. If child wants to stop but is having a hard time trying putting a sock over his hand with a little masking tape around the wrist, so it will not easily fall off (not to tight) at bed time. The sock will get in the way and discourage sucking.

It is recommended to: Reward the patient for not putting the thumb into the mouth. Try and distract the child just before you see him/her try and go place the thuimb into the mouth. Otherwise, the child will develop sleep apnea later in life.

Thumb Sucking: Can be seen as a way of securing extra self-nurturance like other rhythmic pattern of behavior. Ignore it, if possible, while giving attention to positive aspect of the child's behavior with praise. Talk gently with him, energize his self esteem. When he actively tries to restrain thumb sucking, encourage him. Thumb sucking affect alignment of the teeth.

Check with a dentist: Your dentist can make you an appliance that will help check with your dentist.