Can Thumbsucking And Pacifier Use Cause Damage To Your Child’s Teeth?
Do you have a young child in your life who is always grabbing for their pacifier or continuously sucking their thumb? These are both common soothing techniques for infants and toddlers. It is also a common coping mechanism as a child gets a little older to help them feel calm and not overwhelmed by a situation. While these behaviors can help ease a tantrum or create a sense of calm on a sleepless night, the longer your child uses a pacifier or sucks their thumb, the more damage they can cause to their teeth and jaw.
Why Break the Habit of Pacifier Use or Thumbsucking
According to the American Dental Association, a child past the age of four should no longer be using a pacifier or sucking their thumb. If the behavior continues past this age, you may start to notice a change in the teeth, jaw, and developmental aspects of the mouth. We know that it can be difficult to help transition children away from these comforts, but it is in their best interest to transition sooner rather than later due to the potential damage they can be causing to the mouth and shape of the face.
Damage Prolonged Use May Cause
If you have a child who has used a pacifier or sucked their thumb for many years, you will notice that their front teeth do not sit properly and may protrude out from their mouth. In addition to the placement of the teeth, the upper jaw can develop into an elongated, narrow shape. Prolonged pacifier use and thumb sucking can also lead to various speech concerns, such as a lisp or mispronunciation of sounds.
If you are in Fort Lee, NJ or the surrounding area and your child is a pacifier user or thumbsucker, we can check their teeth during their next appointment to look for any issues with the jaw placement or the alignment of their teeth. Any issues can be treated with the use of orthodontics in the future; however, it is important to remember that the earlier the behavior is stopped, the less intense the treatment will be. We look forward to seeing you and your family soon.
