I’m wondering if I can find an affordable dentist who can help me get my thumb sucking habit under control. I wish I could just stop cold turkey, but I can’t.
I’m 37 years old and am fortunate enough to have a private office at my job. Most of the time I can work from home and I am single, so most people don’t know I suck my thumb. Stress is a lot of the problem but it’s an embarrassing habit.
Twice within the last 3 months, someone came into came into my office when my back was turned to the door and I was sucking my thumb. Neither colleague mentioned it, but I know they saw me. Otherwise the habit is hidden from my family and friends.
I know that dentists often help kids stop sucking their thumb, but what about adults? I don’t want to have to spend a lot of money on this, but I do need to do something about it. Thanks for your suggestions. Leah
Leah,
It’s good that you’re looking for options to help get your habit under control. There are some things you can try yourself, without having to worry about finding an affordable dentist for treatment. We’ll name a few:
Brush-on deterrent polish – You can buy over-the-counter, deterrent nail polish and brush it on. The polish is designed to help you stop sucking your thumb or biting your nails. You’ll get a foul taste in your mouth that causes you to take your thumb or fingers out of it.
Cover your thumb – Try covering your thumb with a bandage or something similar that will make sucking it uncomfortable. Although you can easily remove a thumb cover, at least it will make you think before you put your thumb in your mouth.
Address the stress – If you think your thumb-sucking habit is stress related, address the stress. If you have trouble controlling your anxiety, speak with your doctor about it.
You might benefit from massage therapy, counseling, or other stress-reducing techniques. If you can reduce the level of your anxiety, it can help you address bad habits and improve your overall health.
If you continue to suck your thumb, it will eventually affect your bite and the alignment of your teeth. Be sure to ask your dentist for an examination to determine if orthodontic treatment is needed. If your bite has been affected, it’s best to get it treated to prevent other oral health issues.
This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.