Thumb, Finger & Pacifier Habit
Suggestions to break the habit:
- Wait till the time is right – low stress.
- Motivate your child – use a reward system.
Q. Is sucking thumb/finger or using pacifier bad for the teeth and jaws?
A. Most children stop sucking thumbs or pacifiers on their own between 2 and 4 years of age. However, some children continue these habits over long periods of time. In such a case, the upper front teeth may start to tip outward. Frequent or intense habits over a prolonged period of time can affect the way the child’s teeth come together, as well as the growth of the jaws.
Q. When should I worry about a thumb or pacifier habit?
A. Because persistent habits may cause long term problems, intervention may be recommended for children beyond 3 years of age.
Q. What can I do to stop my child’s habit?
A. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, encourage your child to quit the habit. When this approach fails after repeated communications with the child, you can discuss with your pediatric dentist to search for other options. One of the methods is to fabricate a fixed mouth retainer called “habit reminder” to prevent your child to put the thumb in the mouth.
Q. Are pacifiers a safer habit for the teeth than thumbs or fingers?
A. Thumb, finger, and pacifier sucking affect the teeth and jaws in essentially the same way. However, a pacifier habit often is easier to break.
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