Pacifiers & Thumb Sucking

Your child may use a pacifier or their thumb as a coping mechanism. They may even use one of these methods to help them fall asleep each night. As your child grows it's important to know that thumb sucking and pacifiers can deter the growth of their mouth and proper alignment of their teeth. The sooner your can break these habits, the better for your child's mouth.

Your toddler's use of a pacifier can be limited. However, when it comes to thumb sucking the removal process can be more difficult. Do not sweeten your toddler's soother. In the past parents have put honey or other sweet liquids on the soother to make it more appealing to their child. This will only make it harder as they will perceive their soother also as a treat. This can provoke early decay. Also do not clean your child's soother by putting it in your mouth as this shares bacteria instead of removing it.

Your child is less likely to experience negative side effects of thumb sucking and pacifier usage if they stop prior to their permanent teeth growing in. This occurs around the age of five. Children use their soother or thumb to calm themselves down, they find it comforting. Offer them snuggles or gently remind them not to participate in that habit. The earlier you can deter your child from thumb sucking and pacifier usage, the better.