Thumb and pacifier sucking is instinctual for many babies. A thumb or pacifier provides a sense of comfort and security for most infants. The Canadian Association of Pediatric Dentistry or CAPD says most children will cease pacifier use before turning four. 

However, pediatric dentists also say thumb-sucking could be a more persistent habit, especially if the parents don’t have particular interventions. If a child continues with thumb or pacifier sucking after five, and if this habit carries on when he starts to form permanent teeth, he could be at risk for developing dental issues.

How do these habits damage teeth?

Since pacifiers and thumb-sucking damage can be difficult to assess without special equipment, parents tend to downplay the importance of weaning children off these things. However, there are serious consequences to prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking. 

For one, it could cause jaw misalignment. There are different shapes and sizes for pacifiers, and nearly all of them are unnatural to hold. In time, these items could cause the developing jaws to form away from their natural alignment.

Another thing to watch for is tooth decay; many caregivers soothe infants by dipping the pacifier in honey or another sweet substance. Regularly doing this causes bacteria buildup in the infant’s mouth. Oral bacteria feeds on sugar and emits acids that attack the tooth enamel, leading to pediatric tooth decay.

Yet another thing to watch out for is roof narrowing or slanting teeth. Since the mouth’s structures are still pliable in childhood, repeated exposure to pacifiers or thumbs could cause the mouth to narrow and the teeth to slant or protrude in awkward angles.

If you want to buy a pacifier for your child:

  1. Make sure you get an orthodontically correct model. Ask a pediatric dentist to show you which pacifiers on the market are orthodontically correct.
  2. Get a one-piece pacifier. Some pacifiers have parts that come off, which could pose a choking hazard.
  3. Don’t dip it in honey or sugary liquids when you give it to your child.
  4. Remember to clean it with water as well, so it does not encourage bacterial growth.

How to prevent a child from thumb or pacifier sucking?

Generally, children will develop other ways to self-soothe over time. Thumb or pacifier sucking that persists after five could still be corrected, though, given the proper interventions. Here are some things a parent could do to discourage these behaviours.

  1. Request the pediatric dentist to speak to the child. Sometimes, children pay more attention to a message about health when a medical professional is the one who delivers it.
  2. To discourage the thumb- or pacifier-sucking behaviour, buy a CAPD-recommended dental appliance. These make it challenging for the child to persist with the habit.
  3. Give the child tokens or points for not using their pacifier or sucking their thumb. Rewarding desirable behaviour instead of punishing undesirable ones is a better way of encouraging them to form certain habits.
  4. At night, wrap the child’s thumbs in mittens or soft cloth. Having wraps or mittens will prevent them from subconsciously sucking on their thumbs at night.

Conclusion

Breaking a habit, especially one that provides comfort and relaxation to someone, could be challenging. Help your child by providing the structure for weaning himself or herself from sucking behaviours. Consulting a medical professional also helps; a dentist could give you detailed information and action plans for your specific case.

Give your child the dental health they need at our clinic. Dr. Molly Rogers and her associates are Edmonton pediatric dentists committed to providing a safe, anxiety-free environment for their youngest patients. Book an appointment today, or contact us for more information.

Posted in Dental News & Advice