Pacifiers and Thumbs May Harm Alignment
For many babies, sucking their thumbs or pacifiers is a normal and comforting part of their daily lives. Since sucking is a natural instinct, infants find comfort, relaxation, and a sense of security in using a thumb or pacifier as a sucking aid.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) indicates that most children will stop using a pacifier before they turn four. Thumb sucking can be a more persistent habit and often continues longer without intervention. Children who continue to suck their thumbs or pacifiers after the age of five (especially those who continue after their permanent teeth start to come in) are at a higher risk of developing dental problems.
How Can Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Harm Children's Teeth?
The damage caused by pacifier and thumb sucking can be subtle. It can be difficult to see with the naked eye, and it usually happens gradually over time. Here's an overview of some of the risks associated with prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use:
Misaligned Jaws
Pacifiers come in many different shapes and sizes, most of which are not a natural fit for the mouth. Over time, both pacifiers and thumbs can guide the developing jaws into incorrect alignment.
Tooth decay
Many parents try to soothe babies by dipping pacifiers in honey or other sugary substances. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce harmful acids. These acids attack tooth enamel and can lead to tooth decay in children.
Narrowing of the Roof of the Mouth
The structures in a child's mouth are very flexible. Prolonged and repeated thumb and pacifier sucking can actually cause the roof of the mouth to become narrower (as if it's molding around the sucking device). This can cause problems with developing teeth later on.
Slanting teeth
Growing teeth can be pushed to slant or stick out by thumb and pacifier sucking, leading to poor cosmetic results. Additionally, thumb sucking and pacifier use in later childhood increases the likelihood of needing extensive orthodontic treatment.
Mouth sores
Gentle sucking is less harmful than aggressive sucking. Aggressive sucking (making popping sounds while sucking) can cause sores or ulcers to develop in the mouth.
If you plan to buy a pacifier:
- Choose a one-piece pacifier to reduce the risk of choking.
- Select an "orthodontically correct" model.
- Never dip it in honey or any other sugary liquid.
- Rinse it with water (instead of cleaning it with your mouth) to prevent the spread of bacteria.
How Can I Help My Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb or Pacifier?
In most cases, children naturally give up their pacifier or thumb over time. As they grow, they find new ways to comfort, relax, and entertain themselves. If thumb sucking or pacifier use continues after the age of five, a gentle approach to intervention may be needed.
Here are some helpful suggestions to encourage your child to stop thumb sucking or pacifier use:
- Ask your pediatric dentist to talk to your child about stopping the habit. Often, a message from a healthcare professional can be more effective.
- Try using special bitter-tasting nail polish to make thumb sucking less appealing.
- Implement a reward system (not punishment) where your child can earn small rewards for not sucking their thumb or using a pacifier. At Sky Pediatric Dentistry, we have a special rewards station to help motivate kids to stop these habits.
- Wrap your child's thumbs in soft clothes or mittens at night. There's also a product called "My Special Shirt" available online that some parents have found helpful for preventing nighttime thumb or finger sucking.
If these suggestions don't seem to be working, your pediatric dentist can offer more guidance. Remember that breaking a habit takes time, patience, and lots of encouragement!
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