Devices to Stop Thumb Sucking

Thumb-sucking is a common behavior associated with a child's natural feeding instinct. Most children gradually grow out of the habit between the ages of 3 and 6 with some encouragement from their parent or caregiver. A substantial minority are unable to break the habit independently, requiring special devices or treatments to help discourage the reflex. If the habit persists past school age, the child risks developing dental, speech or self-image problems.

  1. Thumbguard

    • A thumbguard is a plastic device attached at the wrist. A nontoxic plastic case is placed around the thumb, preventing the child from sucking his thumb. When the child has gone 24 hours without attempting to suck his thumb, the thumbguard is removed. The thumbguard is reattached at the first sign of thumb-sucking. Thumbguards must be fitted for the child by a doctor.

    Special Nail Polishes

    • Applying a special nail polish with an unpleasant flavor will discourage the child from sucking her thumb. Some nail polishes have a cayenne pepper flavor that burns the child's mouth. "Thum" is a special fingernail polish with a very unpleasant taste.

    Oral Devices

    • An oral device can be placed in the child's mouth to interfere with the pleasure response produced by the thumb-sucking behavior. Common devices such as palatal arches and cribs fit into the roof of the child's mouth. The device may be removed when the child ceases the thumb-sucking behavior.

    Behavioral Therapy

    • There are many behavioral therapy programs to help a child stop the thumb-sucking habit. A common procedure is to replace the thumb-sucking behavior with a similar, harmless habit, such as tapping one's fingers together.

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