Here at Cobblestone Pediatric Dentistry, we love our little ones more than anything, and we know you do too! Keep reading to learn how pacifiers and thumb sucking affect kids smiles.
As parents, we all want our children to have healthy, beautiful smiles. Studies demonstrate the importance of loving your smile to self-esteem and positive outcomes along a whole bunch of different lines! So naturally, it makes sense that you would do everything in your power to ensure that your child’s smile is as beautiful as they are.
However, some habits, such as pacifier use and thumb sucking, while totally normal, can lead to problems when it comes to our little ones’ oral health and development. In this article, we’ll discuss how these habits can impact your child’s smile and what you can do to promote healthy oral habits.
Why Do Children Suck Pacifiers and Thumbs?
Pacifiers and thumb-sucking are common soothing behaviors in infants and young children. Babies are born with the natural reflex to suck, and pacifiers provide a convenient and safe option for them to do so. Similarly, thumb sucking is a natural instinct for infants to self-soothe and feel secure. Most children stop these habits by the age of 4, but some continue them, which can result in dental problems.
How Do Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking Affect Teeth?
While pacifiers and thumb sucking are natural behaviors, prolonged and aggressive sucking can have adverse effects on a child’s oral health. The pressure exerted by pacifiers and thumbs can cause changes in the alignment of teeth and the growth of the jawbone. Here are some common orthodontic problems caused by pacifiers and thumb sucking:
Protruding Front Teeth
One of the most common orthodontic problems caused by prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking is protruding front teeth. This condition causes the front teeth to stick out and can give the child a “buck-tooth” appearance. The pressure created by pacifiers or thumbs can push the front teeth forward and change the alignment of the jawbone. This condition can make it difficult for children to close their mouths and lips comfortably, causing speech problems and making them more prone to dental trauma.
Open Bite
Another orthodontic issue that can arise from prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking is an open bite. An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. This can create swallowing and speech difficulties for children and also impact the appearance of their smiles. The pressure exerted by pacifiers and thumbs can cause changes in the alignment of the jawbone, leading to an open bite.
Crossbite
Crossbite is yet another issue that can be caused by prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking. Crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, causing the jaw to shift to one side. If left untreated, crossbite can lead to lopsided jaw growth and cause functional problems like difficulties with chewing or speaking.
How to Help Your Child Break the Habit
If your child continues to suck their thumb or pacifier beyond the age of 4, it is important to intervene. Here are some tips to help your child break the habit:
Positive Reinforcement
Encourage your child to stop the habit, but avoid scolding or punishing them. Instead, offer plenty of praise when you see them not engaging in the habit. Positive reinforcement is much more effective than negative reinforcement.
Find Alternative Soothing Behaviors
Help your child find other ways to self-soothe during stressful situations. Consider offering your child something to do with their hands if thumb-sucking takes place out of boredom. For example, you could provide coloring books, puzzles, or other engaging activities to keep their hands occupied.
Try Nighttime Devices
Many parents find it helpful to place socks or mittens on their child’s hands at night to prevent thumb-sucking during sleep. There are also dental appliances available that can help break the habit.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Pacifiers and thumb sucking are common soothing behaviors in infants and young children, but prolonged and aggressive sucking can have adverse effects on a child’s oral health. As parents, it is important to intervene and help your child break the habit. By using positive reinforcement, finding alternative soothing behaviors, and working closely with a dental professional like Dr. Gholam, Dr. Lesavoy, Dr. Woehling, Dr. Lynch, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Tran, Dr. Roshini, as well as the expert team at Cobblestone Pediatric Dentistry, you can promote healthy oral habits and ensure your child has a beautiful, healthy smile.
Call Today!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read up on how pacifiers and thumb-sucking can affect your kids’ smiles! At Cobblestone Kids Pediatric Dentistry, nothing is more important to us than ensuring your child has the best care possible.
Come in today for a free consultation at one of our convenient locations! With two beautiful modern offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, we’re always close by. See you soon!
