My 4-year-old still sucks her thumb, especially when she's sleepy or nervous. Last dentist visit, I felt kinda judged, you know, like I wasn't doing enough to stop it. Anyone else had this happen or am I just overthinking it?
My daughter sucked her thumb till she was almost 6, and I still remember the dentist visits... always felt like I was getting side-eyed. Honestly, kids do things at their own pace—it's not your fault, and you're definitely not alone in feeling judged. Hang in there.
"Honestly, kids do things at their own pace—it's not your fault, and you're definitely not alone in feeling judged."
This is so true. My son sucked his thumb until he was almost 7, and every dentist visit had me feeling like I was being silently judged, even if they didn't say anything outright. I remember anxiously googling solutions and worrying about braces down the line. Eventually, he just stopped on his own... no big interventions needed. You're doing fine, and you're definitely not alone in this worry.
no big interventions needed.
I get what you're saying, and it's great your son stopped naturally, but sometimes waiting it out isn't always the best idea. My daughter kept thumb-sucking until she was nearly 9, and by then we had some real dental issues to deal with. It wasn't just about braces—her bite alignment was affected too. So while I agree kids do things at their own pace, sometimes a gentle intervention or guidance can save headaches later on... just something to consider.
I completely understand your concern—it's never pleasant feeling judged, especially when you're already worried about your child's habits. Thumb sucking is a common comfort behavior, and many children naturally outgrow it without lasting issues. That said, the previous poster makes a valid point regarding potential dental complications if the habit persists too long.
My grandson had a similar habit until he was about six, and my daughter-in-law felt the same pressure from their dentist. They tried gentle reminders and distraction techniques, which gradually helped him reduce the habit without causing stress or anxiety. It didn't happen overnight, but it did improve steadily. Each child is unique, and what worked for us might not be the perfect solution for everyone, but gentle encouragement and patience often go a long way.
Don't be too hard on yourself—it's clear you're attentive and caring, and that's the most important thing. Dentists generally mean well, but sometimes their delivery can feel a bit blunt.
