Please help me stop sucking my thumb!

[friedgoldeggs]

A bit embarrassing but ...I've sucked my thumb since being a baby and my mum never found a way to stop me. As an adult I only do it while sleeping but this is where the problem lies recently I've been biting down on my thumb in my sleep and it's currently in agony and possibly infected. Fun! As I do it in my sleep, I'm really struggling to find a way to stop.

I've tried gloves (I take them off in my sleep), something horrible tasting on my thumb before bed (don't notice the taste when asleep) I've tried plasters and bandages too. I've asked DP to try taking my thumb out while I'm sleeping but he says I just put it straight back in.

Has anyone managed to kick the habit?

www.thumbsuckingadults dot com

Biting suggests stress because if you didn't suck your thumb you'd probably be grinding your teeth so I'd have a month guard for grinding fitted.

@friedgoldeggs when my son sucked his (at age 4) our dentist recommended a thumb guard (google it). It did the trick. His was made of clear plastic but I can see some websites offering fabric versions too. I expect there will be an adult version if you hunt around.

I chew my little finger, so I sympathise.

I would look at a mouthguard to stop you getting your thumb in there, or some sort of hand splint that have the same effect