Thumbsucking

I'm so suprised and disappointed in your doctor. I'm also suprised that the dentist didn't have more to say about it, and that they put the braces on her while she was still sucking her thumb. I don't blame you for not wanting to waste your money. You said you have tried the yucky tasting stuff, but did you try hot tasting stuff, like tabasco, or even real yucky stuff like vinegar? The other thing I thought of was how about a splint on her thumb? There is always the other way of thinking of it too, rewards for every day she does not and once she reaches a set goal she gets a reward. Good luck!

K. M

I sucked my thumb until I was about 12 or 13. I did it when I was bored--for example watching TV, etc. It was something I did without thinking, as a way of comforting myself. I didn't do it in front of my friends because I knew it wasn't socially appropriate.
I ended the behavior when I started becoming more socially active, and I wasn't really bored.
I don't know if the same situation applies to your daughter, but maybe getting her involved in activities and play dates might help.
As for punishing the behavior, I think that might create a stigma. And, it she is like me, it is not something that she does consciously.
Hope this helps a little...
-S.

Is she actually sucking it though. My daughter used to, but hasn't for years. She is 15 now, and still that thumb goes into her mouth. However, she is not really succking. It is only for comfort and out of habit.

If she is sucking, ask your dentist what to do. They having something that goes into the mouth to help them stop.

Good morning,
i have a 10 year old who still sucks his thumb when he goes to bed.. We cut his out gradulally. When he turned 8 he knew he could only have it when he was in the car or in bed and now it is only when he is in bed. When we first started if i saw it in hhis mouth he would get a privlage taken away.. It was hard at first but i never see it anymore unless he is in bed. And he even proudly exclaims once in a while that he didnt need to suck it when he fell asleep.. Good luck with what ever you try.. It is alot harder to quit than a pacifier.. My son took to his thumb when we took away his pacifier at the age of 2 and a half. Good luck and best wishes..
K.

I sucked my thumb til I was that old and before my parents had braces put on me they had the orthodontist put a retainer in my mouth that had a small bar on it that dipped down and prevented my thumb from fitting in my mouth.. along with that I wore a head gear at night. My daughter is 8 now and still sucking her thumb. I plan to do the same thing with her my parents did with me when ALL her adult teeth are in.