DD is almost 3 1/2yo and has sucked her thumb since she was an infant. We have gotten her to where she does not suck it unless it is bedtime; however DH and I would really like her to stop completely so she doesn't damage her teeth. Our babysitter successfully got her to stop sucking it at naptime but her method (having her sleep on her stomach with hands under her pillow and if she put it in her mouth the sitter would gently remove it and replace hand under pillow) doesn't work at home because we can't constantly check on her once she is in bed. I really don't want to use the bitter nail polish stuff but the other options of hot sauce and vinegar won't work because DD likes those flavors. Anyone have a suggestion?
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As a former thumb sucker, I say just let it go. She'll eventually stop on her own. You can't watch her every minute she's sleeping, and she'll probably do it subconsciously in her sleep. Yes, I needed braces, but I would've needed them regardless.
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@Mrscb: thanks. She is probably destined for braces regardless so that is likely what we'll do. It bothers DH more than me and I honestly don't know why (but then many things bother him for no reasonable reason).
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@purrpletulips: I know they have weird looking glove things? maybe just soft knit gloves would help and me comfy to sleep in? I needed braces and never thumb sucked! I guess I don't think there is much you can do to police her when she's asleep/trying to fall asleep but maybe I'll be singing a different tune once LO is older (he thumb sucks to sleep as well)
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Another former thumb sucker here... I think as long as she's not sucking her thumb anymore once her baby teeth start falling out she'll be ok. I needed braces, but not because of an overbite or anything thumb-related.
I ended up stopping after an infection on my thumb that had to get lanced in the ER. I have no idea if it was actually caused by my thumb-sucking but it scared me enough to stop! That was when I was about 4 years old.
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Thanks ladies. I keep trying to deal with her that once she stops sucking it we'll paint her finger nails and she agrees but quickly loses interest in that deal.
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