Thumb sucking and pacifiers: Are these habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your dentist.

So why do children suck on fingers, pacifiers and other objects? This type of sucking is completely normal for babies and young children and it provides a sense of security. For young babies it is a way to make contact with and learn about the world. In fact, babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born.

Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects between 2 and 4 years old. However, some children continue these habits over long periods of time and in these children, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly. Frequent or intense habits over a prolonged period of time can affect the way the child’s teeth bite together, as well as the growth of the jaws and bones that support the teeth.

Your pediatric dentist will carefully watch the way your child’s teeth erupt and jaws develop, keeping the sucking habit in mind at all times. Because persistent habits may cause long term problems, intervention may be recommended for children beyond 3 years of age.

Most children stop sucking habits on their own, but some children need help. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, your dentist can encourage your child to stop, as well as talk about what happens to the teeth and jaws if your child does not stop. This advice, coupled with support from parents, helps most children quit. If this approach does not work, your dentist may recommend ways to change the behavior, including a mouth appliance that interferes with sucking habits.

For more information about this and other dental topics, call the 86th Dental Squadron at 479-2210.

(Courtesy of the 86th Dental Squadron and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.)