3106 Business Park Circle, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
For most babies, sucking their thumbs or pacifiers is a normal and comforting part of their daily routine. This natural instinct provides them with a sense of comfort, relaxation, and security.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) indicates that the majority of children will naturally stop using a pacifier before the age of four. However, thumb sucking can be a more ingrained habit and may persist longer without intervention. Children who continue these habits beyond the age of five, especially after their permanent teeth begin to erupt, are at a higher risk for developing dental complications.
How Can Thumb Sucking And Pacifier Use Damage Children's Teeth?
The effects of prolonged pacifier and thumb sucking can be subtle and develop gradually. Here’s a look at some of the potential risks:
Jaw misalignment
Pacifiers come in various shapes and sizes, many of which are not naturally suited for the mouth. Over time, both pacifiers and thumbs can interfere with the proper alignment of the developing jaws.
Tooth decay
Some parents try to soothe their infants by dipping pacifiers in honey or other sugary substances. Oral bacteria feed on this sugar, producing harmful acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities and early childhood tooth decay.
Roof narrowing
During childhood, the bones and tissues in the mouth are quite malleable. Prolonged and repeated thumb or pacifier sucking can actually cause the roof of the mouth to narrow, essentially molding itself around the sucking object. This can create problems for the proper eruption of permanent teeth later.
Slanting teeth
Thumb and pacifier sucking can cause the developing teeth to slant or protrude, affecting the appearance of their smile. Continuing these habits into later childhood also increases the likelihood of needing extensive orthodontic treatment to correct these issues.
Mouth sores
While gentle sucking is usually harmless, aggressive sucking (often characterized by a popping sound) can sometimes lead to the development of sores or ulcers inside the mouth.
- Select a one-piece design to reduce the risk of choking.
- Choose a model that is described as “orthodontically friendly.”
- Never dip it in honey or any other sugary liquid.
- Clean it by rinsing with water (avoid cleaning it in your own mouth) to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
What strategies can I use to help my child stop thumb or pacifier sucking?
In many cases, children will naturally outgrow their pacifier or thumb habit as they mature and find other ways to comfort and entertain themselves. However, if these habits persist beyond the age of five, some gentle guidance may be necessary.
Here are some helpful suggestions:
- Ask your pediatric dentist to have a conversation with your child about discontinuing the habit. Sometimes, hearing it from a healthcare professional can be more impactful.
- Try using a special bitter-tasting nail polish to make thumb sucking less appealing to your child.
- Implement a positive reinforcement system (avoid punishment) where your child can earn small rewards for periods of not sucking their thumb or using their pacifier. Sky Pediatric Dentistry has a special rewards system to help motivate kids to break these habits.
- At night, try covering your child’s thumbs with soft cloths or mittens. There are also specialized products available online, such as "My Special Shirt," that some parents have found effective in preventing nighttime thumb or finger sucking.
If these suggestions are not effective, your pediatric dentist can provide further guidance and support. Remember that breaking a habit requires time, patience, and plenty of encouragement!
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