David Decides about Thumbsucking: A Story for Children, a Guide for Parents

I bought this book based on the recommendation of my child's dentist. I have a 3 year old son and I read this book to him 2 weeks ago. I had been telling him prior to reading the book that sucking his thumb is hurting his teeth and that he needed to stop but it didn't stop him from sucking his thumb. As we read the book we discussed what happens to the teeth when you suck your thumb. He saw the pictures of the older siblings in the book with the bad overbites and braces and inspected each picture very carefully trying to understand how the teeth got "broken" (his view). The pictures could have been better, but my son got the idea that the teeth were messed up from thumbsucking. At the end of the story, I got the most interesting reaction from him- he became very upset and told me he didn't want to suck his thumb anymore because he doesn't want his teeth like that. But that it would be hard. So we decided on "incentives" (a new toy) if he doesn't suck his thumb for 20 days. I had no idea that reading this book to him would trigger such an emotional response. Since reading the book he has been very good about not sucking his thumb, and we put a band aid on his thumb at night to help him. I didn't think the book would make such an impact but it did. I think that the key is making sure the child understands the pictures and that the subject is discussed seriously. Incentives and support help too.

I have been a clinical orthodontist/dentist since 1988. Influencing a patient with thumb/finger sucking habits (blanket and pacifiers as well) is quite challenging. My job is to try to help the patient stop their habit in a non-invasive manner, when possible. Using this book, along with some personal counseling, over 95% of my patients have stopped their habit within 3 months. I follow these patients for a year, and the cessation is complete. This is a remarkable success rate when compared to the rates listed in the literature. The patient's parents are out no money (they borrow a copy of the book from me), and thousands of dollars in orthodontic treatment due to flared upper front teeth ("buck teeth") can be avoided. Aren't braces needed to bring the upper front teeth back into alignment? Most of the time, no. The backward resting pressure of the upper lip alone tends to bring the incisors back into a good archform. Technical note: If the child has a "Class II" bite, then orthodontic treatment may be needed in the future. Incidentally, the flaring of the front teeth caused by a sucking habit increases the risk of fracture of these teeth during a sporting accident or fall. This is another reason to stop the habit. Do yourself a big favor and buy this book if your child has this type of oral habit.

A great book to help parents and kids. We have used this at the dentist office for many years.

Great story- My son and I read this book together before bed one night and because of the book, it was his idea to try to stop. We are into the sixth night now with no thumbs! This book was written from a childs view and talks to the child directly and hits on the subject in a very positive way. I highly recommend this before trying the 'nailpolish', or any other old-fashioned techniques. Very positive!

Bright colorful pictures of David and his brother and sister invite kids to join David as he decides if and how to end his thumbsucking habit. Great story. Remarkable impact on my son, who read the story and decided to follow David's example. Also, the best compilation of information for parents on thumb and finger sucking that I've seen. Covers all the research. Explains how sucking habits help young children, but then gradually become detrimental as kids get older.