Treatment: Thumb-sucking Habit Correction

Dr. Haskell  specializes in eliminating the thumb-sucking habit in children.

Children with a mix of permanent teeth and baby teeth often display a thumb- or finger-sucking habit. A long-term, vigorous habit may result in numerous orthodontic problems.

To correct and to curtail the thumb-sucking habit, a “Habit Correction Roller,” also known as the “Bluegrass Appliance,” is placed to serve as positive reinforcement. The child rolls the free-spinning roller with the tongue, rather than sucking on his or her thumb. Invented and patented by Dr. Haskell, the roller is used instead of old-fashioned and sometimes painful “crib” or “cage” devices. The Bluegrass Appliance is now used world-wide.

When used at an early age, more complex future orthodontic problems may be prevented.

For more information on the Habit Correction Roller device, see his articles: 

"An Aid to Stop Thumb-Sucking: 'The Bluegrass' Appliance" Haskell, B., and Mink, J. Pediatric Dentistry 13: 2, p. 83-85, 1991.