Do Thumb-Sucking and Pacifiers Ruin Kids’ Teeth?

Since both of my boys sucked their thumbs, I’ve been aware of the effects of thumb-sucking and pacifier use on the development of children’s teeth.

When we first started taking our children to a dentist, the staff reinforced the importance of my boys transitioning out of this habit for the good of their teeth.

Why Thumb-Sucking or Pacifiers?

Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are part of a baby’s development. Babies often are seen in utero sucking on thumbs and fingers. Parents celebrate when infants first find their own hands, since this means that babies are more likely to soothe themselves.

Self-soothing techniques are foundational for babies to continue to feel secure in their environments. Thumb-sucking and pacifier use may be combined with special blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals, which also help develop a sense of security.

A Safety Issue

A child’s thumb is generally fine as far as safety is concerned – there are no separate parts to detach and become a potential choking hazard. However, if your child uses a pacifier, make sure that it is made from one solid piece rather than several attached pieces. Check the nipple of the pacifier frequently, since brittle nipples can break off and become a choking hazard. Finally, never use a string attached to a pacifier around your child’s neck; instead, attach a pacifier using a clip with a ribbon to your child’s clothes.

But What About My Child’s Teeth?

Both of my boys have sucked their thumbs since they were babies. After watching an episode about this issue on a popular talk show, my husband became quite paranoid about our sons’ thumb-sucking, imagining their terribly formed mouths and teeth in the near future.

Although this kind of damage to mouths and teeth as a result of thumb-sucking or pacifier use is rare, it can happen if your child doesn’t transition out of it. Children generally stop sucking their thumbs or using pacifiers by the time they’re three to four years old. If they haven’t discontinued the habit by four years of age, I can tell you as a former elementary school teacher that they learn to stop quickly once school starts.

Many times, children need help to bring this habit to an end. It’s very important that you help your child before permanent teeth come in and more damage is done.

How Can I Help My Child Stop the Habit?

It will take an extended amount of time to help your child stop a thumb-sucking or pacifier habit, and your strategies will differ depending on what your child currently uses.

•If your dentist hasn’t already, he or she will talk with you and your child about the importance of stopping thumb-sucking or pacifiers before permanent teeth come in.

•Head to your local library to get books and DVDs on the subject that you and your children can read or view together. Our dentist recommended a couple of books that my children and I read and discussed several times.

•”Send” your child’s pacifier to a baby who needs it. Your child can help you package his/her pacifier in a special box and “send” it to a brand-new baby.

•If your child sucks his/her thumb, choose a word together that you can say to remind your child to stop sucking his/her thumb. My oldest son’s word was “Bubblehead” – every time I saw him suck his thumb, that’s all I would need to say and he would be reminded to stop. Plus, it made us laugh.

•Use a reward system to implement during specific times of the day. When your child doesn’t suck his thumb during story time, he/she gets a sticker, and five stickers can equal a special prize!

Above all, gentle positive reinforcement is ideal while going through this process with your child.

Kelly Wilson is a mom and freelance writer who regularly visits a dentist
like this General Dentist in Salmon Creek, Washington.

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