Isn’t it cute when babies suck their thumbs or a pacifier? The self-soothing and security that comes along with these habits can be lifesaving for exhausted and overwhelmed parents. However, this may come at a cost if the habit continues beyond a certain age. As a mother myself, there are many things we do just to survive, so remember, hang in there, these are just a few recommendations from the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and American Association of Pediatricians. Some of the most common questions I get asked are outlined below and hopefully they will help you and your baby through this exciting, transitional period in your lives. Should I worry about pacifier, thumb and finger sucking? Many children find comfort in pacifiers or by sucking their thumbs. While I can empathize with the sanity it can bring, prolonged thumb and pacifier sucking can create crooked teeth, bite problems, and can negatively affect the growth of the jaw and bones that support the teeth. These habits usually self-resolve however, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), if the habit continues beyond the age of three a professional evaluation is recommended. Your pediatric dentist or orthodontist are great resources to discontinue this habit.What can I do to stop my child’s habit?A gradual approach may be best. Start by removing pacifiers during times when your child is happy and playing. Limit pacifiers to certain times or places, then gradually decrease their use over the next few days. Young children are eager to please and a positive outcome stems from an early start. Finger sucking, including thumbs tend to be more difficult to correct. Encouraging your child to break their habit may help however, some take a little more intervention. At Lang & Blackwood Orthodontics, we have had great success in discontinuing these habits. Mavala Stop is one approach we recommend for children over the age of three. It has a bitter yet, harmless taste that helps deter finger sucking. If your child is still sucking their finger an appliance is typically recommended. Here is an example where a thumb habit appliance was successfully used. This patient is now able to bite into food and speak more clearly.
Result of prolonged sucking habit
Thumb habit appliance therapy
after four months
Are pacifiers better than thumbs? Unfortunately, thumb and pacifier sucking affect the teeth and jaws in essentially the same manner. However, a pacifier habit is easier to break. Remember, children find security in this type of sucking and it is completely normal. When should bottles be discontinued? Any parent who has witnessed the love of a bottle knows this comfort is hard to give up. Pediatricians and Pediatric Dentists recommend that children should be weaned from bottles at 12-14 months of age. Prolonged bottle drinking can lead to cavities, damage the teeth and negatively affect the formation of the mouth. Speech along with biting into food tend to be the two most significant complications from prolonged finger and pacifier sucking. How to kick the bottle Starting at six months, it is important to let kids get accustomed to drinking out of a cup. Offering a variety of drinks in a cup will keep your child interested in drinking from them too. To help with the transition, allow your child to play with cups in the bath tub. Children love to pour things in and out of cups and parents will love the fact that the mess is easily contained! At a year old, kids have the motor skills to sit up, hold a cup and drink from it. This process usually involves some trial and error and sometimes, a few tears. However, once you have decided to make the transition, stick with it and you will see the results. Remember if you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to call our office, we are here to help!
