Free advice on some of my favorites

For the thumb-sucker or finger-sucker:
David Decides about Thumbsucking: A Story for Children, a Guide for Parents (paperback) by Susan Heitler, PhD.. This a great little paperback that I have been recommending for years. The book is broken up into three sections: one for the child, one for the parent, and one to read together. It is available from www.amazon.com

For the child that has difficulty breaking the habit at bedtime, you can try “My Special Shirt”. Basically, it is a shirt with “mitts” sewn on the ends so that the thumb or finger cannot go into the mouth. The “kit” includes a rewards chart, shirt and a “help-line” that you can call for advice. And, it has a 30-month guarantee. Most importantly, when using a tool like this, the parent should help the child to understand that this is just a helpful reminder to help them break the habit. It is by no means a means of punishment. You can read more about it on www.myspecialshirt.com

A parent told me about MAVALA Stop for Nail Biting and Thumbsucking, by MAVALA. It’s a foul tasting liquid that is placed on the offending finger to prevent sucking. Personally, I don’t like these types of products because they contain alcohols and polymers. It tastes gross for a reason!!

I always recommend a calendar exercise or “rewards calendar”. Basically, you get a calendar (or draw one) and pick up some stickers. Prior to beginning the exercise, the parent discusses with the child a “special something” (reward) that they are going to do together when they complete the exercise. The “special something” could be a trip to the Children’s Museum, Science Museum, Movies, etc. Then, when you are ready to start, you tell the child, for every day (all day) that you do not suck your thumb (finger) you will get a sticker for that day. Once 2 weeks (14 days) are completed, then you can do that special something together. One more week, and there can be another reward. I read somewhere that if you do something consistently for 21 days, it will become a habit. (No wonder my diets never work!!)

For children under the age of 4 years old, I would only recommend using positive reinforcement. Just praise your little munchkin when they are not sucking their thumb. They’ll get the idea.

For Children who do like toothpaste or have aversions to flavors:
Tanners Tasty Paste was created by a pediatric dentist whose children did not like the taste of toothpaste. This product may be good for children with food sensitivities. “Banana Bling” does not contain any artificial colors or flavors. All of their toothpastes do not contain saccharin or sodium lauryl sulfate (which is thought to contribute to canker sores). You can’t purchase their toothpaste at the local stores. They are available at www.tannerstastypaste.com

My children like “Silly Strawberry” by Toms of Maine. My kids are super picky when it comes to flavors…and they hate mint. Just be sure to purchase the one with fluoride for the protective effects. I never recommend fluoridated toothpaste to children under the age of 4 years old. If the child can spit properly, then it’s OK to use a fluoridated toothpaste. Also, do not allow children to use toothpaste without supervision. You’d be surprised how many kids love to eat toothpaste.

Non-Dental Related Tidbit:
Check out The Mother Connection, Inc Newsletter. It is a monthly publication by a non-profit organization providing helpful information, resources, support networks, and recreation for families. Most of the contributors are moms, but my husband has submitted articles in the past. My favorite section is the “Community Calendar” where they list different activities and events taking place that month in the area. They give great ideas on things to do with the kids. Very useful when the kids are off from school and you’re looking for something different to do. Look them up on www.themotherconnection.org

Please note that I do not have any monetary or corporate interests in any of the above mentioned. These are just little tidbits I frequently mention to families at the office.
-Dr. Gigi