How Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Impacts Children's Teeth

Both thumb sucking and pacifier use are extremely common self-soothing habits that many infants and young children have. While this may seem innocent and even endearing at times, these habits do pose concerns once your children are over a certain age. Sucking your thumb or a pacifier regularly can impact tooth alignment and oral development. If you notice your child is still relying on these soothing methods, reach out to a reliable pediatric dentist in Vaughan to come up with a treatment plan that prevents oral issues down the line. At Mackenzie Dental Centre, our experienced dentist in Vaughan, Dr. Pedivis, has years of experience working with young children. Trust him and his team to keep your child’s teeth healthy.

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Why Children Suck Their Thumbs or Use Pacifiers

It is a natural instinct for infants or young children to want to suck on something. This motion can offer comfort, sleep support, or even stress relief for kids. Pacifiers are more common for infants to use, and since they have some flexibility, this habit is not as problematic when it comes to tooth development, atleast at a young age. Sucking on your thumb is much more damaging as it is rigid, and putting constant pressure on the centre of your teeth can lead to misalignments.

At What Age Do These Habits Become a Problem?

Most children tend to stop sucking their thumbs around the age of 2 years old; however, persistent thumb sucking doesn’t really become a major issue until your child is 4. After the age of 4, persistent thumb sucking or even pacifier use can cause irreversible damage. If your child’s dependence on thumb sucking or a pacifier is still high before they turn 4, it is wise that you take measures to wean them off this habit for the sake of their oral health.

How Thumb Sucking Affects Children’s Teeth

Some of the most common implications of thumb sucking are an overbite, open bite, or protruding front teeth. An open bite is one of the more severe complications in which a child’s upper and lower teeth in the centre of their mouth do not touch. This can impact eating, smile aesthetics, and their speech. Sucking motions can also result in your child’s front teeth jetting out beyond their lower teeth, creating a gap. This can also compromise tooth function while also causing lisps or other speech issues. 

Overall, thumb sucking also impacts palate and jaw development. Persistent sucking after the age of 4 can lead to the roof of your mouth lengthening and narrowing, leading to misalignments. If you are concerned about your child’s soothing habits, reach out to your local pediatric dentist in Vaughan for treatment. 

Protect Your Child’s Teeth Against Thumb Sucking

It is essential that parents encourage their kids to kick habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use by the time they are four in order to prevent poor jaw development, bite issues, and misaligned teeth. If you are concerned about your child’s current habits, visit your local dentist in Vaughan to come up with a treatment plan. Trust the experience of the team at Mackenzie Dental Centre with your child’s smile. 

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