So Long, Suckas! Help For the Habit

Just like prolonged thumb-sucking, prolonged use of pacifiers can harm children’s teeth. Dr. Cindy L. Weideman, D.D.S. and First 5 Sacramento Commissioner, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry provide answers to your most-asked questions:

Q: Why do children suck on fingers, thumbs, pacifiers or other objects?

A: This type of sucking is completely normal for babies and young children. It provides security. For young babies, it's a way to make contact with and learn about the world. In fact, babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born.

Q: Are these habits bad for the teeth and jaws?

A: Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own, between ages two and four. No harm is done to their teeth or jaws. However, children who continue thumb-sucking or pacifier use past the age of four may develop crooked teeth, a malformed upper jaw and speech problems. The specific issue will depend on the frequency, duration, intensity and position of the object in the child’s mouth. 
Remember your child’s teeth and gums are important—even his or her baby teeth. A child’s first set of teeth is crucial for jaw development, chewing, speech development, and self-esteem. Those baby teeth also act as placeholders for permanent teeth.

Q: When should I worry about a sucking habit?

A: Your pediatric dentist will carefully watch the way your child's teeth come in and how his or her jaws develop, keeping the sucking habit in mind at all times. For most children there is no reason to worry about a sucking habit until the permanent front teeth are ready to come in.

Q: What can I do to stop my child's habit?

A: Most children stop sucking habits on their own, but some children need the help of their parents and their pediatric dentist. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, your pediatric dentist can encourage your child to stop, as well as talk about what happens to the teeth if your child doesn't stop. This advice, coupled with support from parents, helps most children quit. If this approach doesn't work, your pediatric dentist may recommend a mouth appliance that blocks sucking habits. For more ways to help kids break the habit, see our sidebar of tips.

Q: Are pacifiers a safer habit for the teeth than thumbs or fingers?

A: Thumb, finger and pacifier sucking all affect the teeth essentially the same way. However, a pacifier habit is often easier to break. (You can hide that binky pretty easily during naptime. Keeping your toddler’s thumbs and fingers out of sight and out of mind? Not so simple.)

For more how-to tips on protecting your child’s dental health, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s new Parent Resource Center page at www.aapd.org/parents.

Tips to help kids break the habit:
* Wait until the time is right (low stress). 
* Praise them when they are not sucking (positive reinforcement). 
* Use a reward system (more positive reinforcement). 
* Read “David Decides About Thumbsucking—A Story for Children, A Guide for Parents” by Susan Heitler, PhD.
* Check with your pediatric dentist to see about possible Thumbsucking Programs available through the office and for more tips and advice.