Tip of the Week

Ways to break a thumb sucking habit. The most important aspect of stopping a thumb habit is getting the patient (and parent) to desire to cease the habit. Without both of them on board you are doomed to fail. I usually try to utilize a long athletic sock stretched over the offending hand and place it all the way up to the armpit.  If they pull it off at night in their sleep I ask the parent to safety pin or sew the sock to the sleeve of their pajamas.  They are instructed to utilize the sock for at least one month.  After that if they revert back to sucking the finger even once I have them wear the sock for at least one more month (habits are sometimes hard to break quickly.) They are also instructed to move their teddy bear or blanket down to the foot of the bed if they have a rubbing/sucking habit.  We can fabricate a thumb appliance that we cement into place if necessary.