help with thumb sucking habit

[Sandi]

Hi guys, I'm wondering if anyone out there has a good remedy for thumb sucking. Robert has had this habit since the orphanage and it is actually increasing in frequency as he prepares for his 10th birthday this year. He does have sensory integration issues and we have tried some oral/hard-chewing type things that his OT suggested; have also tried the "just relax and he'll grow out of it" idea. I'd love to hear what has worked for any of you. Thanks! Sandi Anderson

[BaikalKids]

Sandi,
When does Robert suck his thumb? At night? or during the day? Are you concerned about social issues? or dental?

Our dentist told us that thumb-sucking would not create problems with teeth, but recommended a product called Mavela STOP (it has a sour/horrible taste), if the issue was more of a social one (thumb-sucking at school, etc.) I'm not sure if STOP did the trick, or if it was a 'grow out it' success for us...took about two to three months of using STOP at night for thumb-sucking to cease. There may still be occasional thumb-sucking, but nothing like before. 

Julie

[Sandi]

Julie, where did you find the STOP?

Robert sucks his thumb all of the time; it used to be only when he was trying to calm himself; now its more frequently. It doesn't bother him at school when kids mention it. He'll take it out of his mouth when we mention it to him, but then it goes right back in. I'd love to try the STOP, if its not harmful (and I'm sure you wouldn't use it if it was).

Sandi Anderson

[BaikalKids]

Hi Sandi,
The product is called Mavela STOP. It was recommended by our dental office. I don't know if you can find it locally; I purchased it online. One word of caution - if your son is eating foods with his hands (such as sandwiches at lunch time), he may accidentally get the taste in his mouth while eating, too. Teaches better table manners, too, I guess (don't lick your fingers when you eat!).

Here's an advertisement for it on amazon.com. 

http://www.amazon.com/Mavala-Stop-Nail-Biting-Sucking-Prevention/dp/B0000YUXI0
 
Good luck,
Julie