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Original poster

11-year-old DS still sucking his thumb!

13 replies

runner2 · 26/07/2014 19:49

DS has been sucking his thumb at night-time since he was a baby and with the help of that nasty-tasting nail biting Stop n Grow fluid thought he'd finally got over this - but the last 2 nights in a row I've found him sound asleep with his thumb stuck in! He genuinely doesn't realise he's doing it and is as anxious as I am now about it. Although we thought he had stopped he still has that nail stuff on at bedtime so obviously that isn't working anymore. Can anyone advise please?

OP posts:
Fedupnagging · 26/07/2014 23:23

Sorry, no advice that works - hopefully someone will come along with some good ideas soon.

However, just wanted to let you know that I still occasionally find ds2 sucking his thumb when asleep - he's 18!

CrossWhy · 27/07/2014 11:54

Even if he hasn't stopped while he is at sleep tell him he has, no sense in getting him anxious especially if there is no sign of damage to thumb.

If you are worried about teeth damage then talk to your dentist, you can get gum shields to wear while sleeping and I imagine these would protect his teeth whilst also making it harder to suck his thumb. Sell this as a "just in case" approach probably after telling him you hadn't seen him sucking his thumb the night before.

The important thing is that he is no longer consciously sucking his thumb.

I know someone who's DP still sucks his thumb at night and he's 40+

beccajoh · 27/07/2014 12:00

Well I'm 34 and admit I still have an occasional thumb suck and hair twiddle. In all seriousness though I was sucking well into my teens, late teens even. I did grow out of it eventually lol! My teeth are fine although I do remember several visits to orthodontists to check things over.

BreeVDKamp · 27/07/2014 12:21

No big deal! I sucked mine til 18 and sometimes still do now. Teeth are perfect!

MuscatBouschet · 27/07/2014 12:24

I gave up sucking my thumb when I started sleeping with boys. Grin

Never had braces... Some people get lucky.

PinklePurr · 27/07/2014 12:25

41yr old PinklePurr is still sucking her thumb. Blush

I realise that is of no help to you whatsoever.

FuckTheMagicDragon · 27/07/2014 12:25

... I'm in my late 49s, adult dcs, mortgage, proper job, and I still do it. Tis comforting at night when I don't have to pretend I'm in control and a real grown up :)

rugbymum143 · 27/07/2014 12:47

My ds still sucked his thumb at night up to the age of 13. It never bothered me or dh. He'd stopped sucking it in public in the day when he was about 5 & was probably about 6 or 7 when he stopped consciously sucking his thumb in the day at home. The dentist confirmed there was no effect on his teeth which was our only concern & our attitude was if it comforts him & it's at night what did it matter. He never did it at sleepovers or when friends stayed so there was no teasing. I must add that I sucked my thumb until I was 14 so may account for my relaxed attitude. I know opinions differ & this is not offering you a solution but my feelings are that you don't need to get anxious about this & would he feel anxious if you weren't trying to vet him to stop? If it's not effecting his teeth & friends aren't aware does it matter & he will eventually stop. One day his thumb just won't taste the same & that'll be the end of it!

Original poster
runner2 · 27/07/2014 16:40

The problem is that his teeth are affected - that's the thing that bothers me about it. The dentist picked up on it ages ago and has told us he is going to need a brace at some point, which tbh I'm gutted about cos I can't help but feel I've failed him somehow... Sad Anyway last night we tried putting an Elastoplast on his thumb and he liked that - said he thought that would help. And he didn't have his thumb in when I checked on him before I went to bed, so we'll see how that goes over the next few days...

OP posts:
FuckTheMagicDragon · 27/07/2014 16:49

You haven't failed him in the slightest! The fact that he wants to stop is good (I could never be bothered) and things like a plaster will help if he's doing it in his sleep. & Braces are cool these days, so I understand. So long as he doesn't want diamond encrusted gold 'grills' like Madonnas :)

rugbymum143 · 27/07/2014 17:06

I can understand why you're worried if his teeth are affected & you definitely haven't failed him. My youngest son didn't suck his thumb & he's the one who needs braces. It seems like you're both working together & stopping is something you both want. I hope the plaster works.

rugbymum143 · 27/07/2014 17:07

I can understand why you're worried if his teeth are affected & you definitely haven't failed him. My youngest son didn't suck his thumb & he's the one who needs braces. It seems like you're both working together & stopping is something you both want. I hope the plaster works.

Original poster
runner2 · 27/07/2014 17:45

Thanks to all of you. Fingers crossed... Smile

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