Pacifiers, Thumb Sucking, and Teeth: What Every Parent Should Know
Toddlers and babies can be so adorable. There’s just something about a little one sucking enthusiastically on a pacifier. Children outgrow the need for a pacifier over time, or at least they’re supposed to. Some children are reluctant to give it up or may switch to sucking their thumb instead.
The Reason behind the Behavior
Children are born with a need to suck on things. Sucking, whether on a pacifier or a thumb, can help children feel more secure and be a source of comfort. It’s instinctual and perfectly normal. There is some research that suggests that sucking on a pacifier when going to bed can even help reduce the risk of SIDS.
The Impact It Has
When children are babies, using a pacifier doesn’t do any harm and can even be beneficial. Once they get to be about a year old, however, they stop needing to suck on things to soothe themselves (though they may have a different opinion on the matter). When teeth start really growing in, heavy thumb sucking and pacifier use can start to impact how the teeth grow. It could lead to changes in the alignment of the teeth and even change the shape of the face. Crooked teeth, buck teeth, and overbites can all result from prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking. It can delay speech as well.
What Can Be Done
In many cases, weaning a child off of a pacifier is easier than preventing them from sucking their thumb. After all, you can’t exactly take their thumbs away. Some people find that gradually reducing the time their child has access to their pacifier works well. Make it something that is only used for naps and bedtime before getting rid of it completely. Use positive reinforcement techniques for both that and preventing thumb sucking. To address thumb sucking further, try putting a sock or mitten over their hand to remind them not to suck their thumb. Distraction techniques that make use of their hands can be especially helpful during the day.
The more you know as a parent, the better you’ll be able to keep your child healthy. Some behaviors, like using a pacifier, are fine for a time, but can cause problems if allowed to continue beyond a certain point. Remember, you can always ask your child’s dentist and pediatrician if you have questions about how to help them be as healthy as possible.
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