When you see a baby with a pacifier, you don’t think anything of it, and when a toddler gets upset and sucks their thumb, you know they are trying to calm themselves and feel better.
Lots of kids use a pacifier or suck their thumb when they’re little. Although it’s perfectly natural for infants and young children to soothe themselves in one of these ways, there can be some adverse effects on their dental development.
So, when you want your child to stop using a pacifier or sucking their thumb, what are some practical ways to address the habit and help them with their dental development? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about thumb sucking and pacifier use.
Understanding Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use
Sucking is a natural instinct for babies; it’s how they get nourishment when they are breastfeeding or drinking from a bottle. Young children also suck on a pacifier or a thumb to comfort themselves, and that can eventually affect the position of their jaw or tooth alignment.
The Effects on Dental Development
If your child sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier beyond infancy, it can cause concerns with their dental development. Every child’s dental situation is different so we can assess their situation based on their dental anatomy and the duration of their thumb-sucking or pacifier use. Their oral health can be compromised in the following ways:
- Malocclusion—Continued thumb sucking or pacifier use can lead to either misaligned teeth or improper jaw position. When your child’s thumb or pacifier applies constant pressure on their teeth, they can shift out of place, causing an overbite, underbite, or open bite.
- Palatal changes—The roof of your child’s mouth is known as their palate, and thumb sucking can alter its shape and size. Continued pressure on your child’s palate from their thumb can cause it to narrow or become arched, and this could cause speech issues or trouble with airway function.
- Dental arch formation—Each person has two dental arches, which consist of their upper and lower jaws, alveolar bone, and gums. These dental arches house your teeth and ensure a proper bite. When your child sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier for too long, it can affect the aesthetics and functionality of their dental arches by keeping their teeth from being correctly aligned.
Addressing the Habit: How to Help Your Child
There are many factors to consider before making a plan to help your child stop sucking their thumb or relying on a pacifier. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we can provide resources and advice that consider your child’s age, stage of development, and needs. The goal is to help your child transition smoothly to avoid behavioral or dental issues. Some of the strategies we recommend include the following:
- Begin early—The best intervention strategy is to begin discouraging thumb sucking and pacifier use when your child is an infant or shortly after. By helping your child break the habit early, you have the best chance of avoiding dental problems later on.
- Arrange for positive reinforcement—Any time your child refrains from sucking their thumb or using a pacifier, shower them with praise and encouragement. You can use several positive reinforcement strategies, such as sticker charts or toys, to motivate them and celebrate their success.
- Provide alternate coping mechanisms—Pay attention to what situations cause your child to suck their thumb or reach for a pacifier. Once you know what triggers this behavior, you can intervene and help them manage the situation differently. Distracting them with a favorite toy or a fun activity can help them cope without sucking behaviors.
- Set goals—Although it’s a great idea to set goals for your child, it’s essential to be realistic about the time it will take to break your child’s sucking habit, mainly if they have been relying on it for years. Along with celebrating their achievements with positive reinforcement and giving them other options, gradually decrease the time you allow them to engage in the activity.
- Lead by example—Children learn by watching their parents, so when you are stressed or anxious about something, they will look to see how you cope. If you practice deep breathing or distract yourself with something enjoyable, they will see that there are healthier ways to calm themselves other than sucking their thumb or using a pacifier.
- Give them lots of love—It can be challenging for your child to break their sucking habit, especially if they calm themselves with their thumb or a pacifier. Providing plenty of love and understanding during this challenging transition can help them tremendously.
- Talk to a professional—If you’re having a difficult time getting your child to stop sucking their thumb or using a pacifier, don’t hesitate to contact their pediatrician or pediatric dentist. Reaching out to a professional for guidance, advice, and interventions may be needed to give your child the best dental health possible.
Specific Strategies for Parents
Some of the specific strategies you may consider trying when it’s time to help your child stop sucking their thumb are as follows:
- Use Mavala thumb polish on your child’s thumb. Its bitter taste will discourage them from sucking their thumb.
- Have them wear thumb gloves or a thumb guard to cover their thumb, keeping them from sucking on it.
- Before they go to bed, draw a face on their thumb with a non-toxic marker. If the face is still there the next morning, reward your child with a sticker or treat.
Try these tips if your child uses a pacifier:
- Cut the tip off of the pacifier; this will make it less pleasant for them and can encourage them to give it up completely.
- Arrange for a special celebration for your child’s pacifier. Have a going away party and praise your child for not needing their pacifier anymore.
- Go to Build-A-Bear Workshop®, and they will sew your child’s pacifier into a stuffed toy. That way, your child can feel secure knowing they still have their pacifier without harming their dental health.
Questions about Your Child’s Orthodontic Needs in Palos Heights, IL?
If you find yourself searching the internet for “thumb-sucking teeth” or “effects of pacifiers on oral health,” we can help! At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we aim to provide parents with educational resources and intervene with orthodontic treatment if necessary.
We understand that thumb sucking and pacifier use are common habits, but when they begin to affect your child’s oral health and development, we can work with you to provide the support and guidance they need to achieve a healthy smile.
Contact our dental office at (708) 263-6708 for more information or to schedule an orthodontic consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
