We have received questions about thumb sucking and biting fingernails. Both of these activities are common because they tend to relieve stress. However, they can cause alterations in tooth placement in the case of thumb sucking and damage to the nails with pan and local infections in the case of biting fingernails. Valmed pharmacy (www.valmed-hhs.com) has created a product that they call “Don’t be a thumb sucker” for application to the thumb or fingers. It contains sucrose octaacetate which tastes very bitter, but it is generally considered safe, especially in very low amounts. We have helped two parents obtain this treatment for their children, and they both reported good results. If you would like to try this product for your child, please call the nurses for a trial application or prescription.
