How to Stop Thumb Sucking With a Glove

Thumb-sucking can become a persistent habit with serious side effects.

Many children give up thumb-sucking about 3 to 5 years old. However, some children, teens or even adults find themselves unable to quit the habit. Sometimes thumb-sucking becomes a long-term habit triggered by stress or even sleepiness. As a long-term habit, sucking your thumb can cause severe dental problems. Most parents recognize this problem early on and take steps to intervene before the habit causes serious problems. By wearing a glove, children are constantly reminded not to suck their thumb. This technique is not meant to be used as a punishment. A glove is meant to help chronic thumb-suckers who genuinely want to quit and need reminders to stop themselves from sucking their thumb.

Things You'll Need

• Tape

Instructions

1. Find a pair of gloves of the appropriate size and texture. Depending on the individual's habit, you may need only one glove. You will also need to find a comfortable texture for the individual with the problem.

2. Cut off all the fingers of the gloves, except for the thumb. This will make the gloves more comfortable to wear.

3. Put the gloves on and secure them at the wrists with tape. Be careful to not cut off circulation with the tape.

4. Wear the gloves at all times or at the times when the habit is most persistent. The gloves should be worn as a reminder not to suck your thumb until the habit is broken.

References

• Health Mantra: Thumb-sucking habit- Uncontrolled can damage teeth and facial looks
• Web MD: Thumb-Sucking