{"id":3660,"date":"2021-07-05T10:00:41","date_gmt":"2021-07-05T10:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/?p=3660"},"modified":"2024-03-07T01:18:30","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T01:18:30","slug":"the-dangers-of-prolonged-thumb-sucking-pacifier-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/dental-blog\/the-dangers-of-prolonged-thumb-sucking-pacifier-use\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dangers of Prolonged Thumb-Sucking & Pacifier Use"},"content":{"rendered":"

Excessive thumb-sucking and pacifier use can put your child\u2019s dental health at risk. Learn how and what you can do about it below<\/span><\/h2>\n

Of all the things that babies do, thumb-sucking has got to be one of the cutest.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Newborns instinctively suck on their fingers (most often the thumb) for a couple of different reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. It’s an urge that helps with the feeding process<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. It soothes them and helps them feel secure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Understandably, thumb-sucking and pacifier use often become a habit as a result.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But once a child\u2019s permanent teeth start coming in, continued sucking can have a negative impact on their dental health.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    If you have a newborn or <\/span>young child<\/b><\/a>, you want them to grow up with a healthy smile. So, it\u2019s essential to understand how these habits can affect them and what you can do to help your little one grow out of them on time.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Follow along as we go over everything you need to know about thumb-sucking and pacifier use, including when your child should break these habits, what can happen if they don\u2019t, and the best steps to help them stop.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A Totally Natural Reflex<\/span><\/h2>\n

    As we mentioned above, sucking on thumbs and pacifiers are completely normal things for babies and young children to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It can even happen while a child is still in the womb!<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    If they need to wind down for bed at night, popping a thumb in their mouth is often just the ticket. It\u2019s relaxing, comforting, and can help them get to sleep easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    And if you\u2019re a new parent, we don\u2019t have to tell you how powerful a pacifier can be. They\u2019re the weapon of choice when it comes to combating fits and tantrums.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But as their caregiver, knowing when enough is enough can help you protect their dental health and encourage the growth of a healthy smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When Should My Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb\/Using a Pacifier?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Most often, children will naturally grow out of their thumb-sucking or pacifier habit anywhere from two to four years of age. This is usually around the time their permanent teeth start coming in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Of course, every child is different; some may get their adult teeth sooner than others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to keep a close eye on their dental health, so you\u2019ll know if and when it\u2019s time to intervene.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    If your child is still using a pacifier or sucking their thumb at three to four years old, but they don\u2019t have any permanent teeth yet, then there\u2019s no need to be concerned about any lasting issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But now that you know the natural age range, you can use your best judgment and start weaning them off once they approach the upper limit.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re unsure whether it\u2019s time to start breaking the habit, you can always talk to your <\/span>San Diego dentist<\/b><\/a> for advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    How Can The Dangers of Prolonged Thumb-Sucking & Pacifier Use Affect Their Dental Health?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Unfortunately, if your little one doesn\u2019t kick these habits before their permanent teeth come in, it can create developmental, alignment, and Cosmetic Dentistry Cary<\/a> issues for their smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Continued sucking places abnormal force on the adult teeth as they\u2019re trying to grow in properly. This undue pressure not only affects the alignment of your child\u2019s teeth, but also interrupts their <\/span>jaw development<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Most commonly, prolonged pacifier use and thumb-sucking cause the following alignment issues:<\/span><\/p>\n