Thumbsucking or Pacifier Use

Thumbsucking or Pacifier Use

Many babies will use a pacifier to self soothe themselves to sleep. Using a pacifier once the primary teeth have erupted my result in tooth and arch shape malformation. Pacifiers tend to create a low tongue posture and possibly tongue thrust. We recommend the pacifier be removed by age 6 months or sooner. Prolonged use can cause distortion of teeth and skeletal growth and affect speech and swallowing. We have some great ideas on how to give up the pacifier if your little one is attached. Never use a pacifier that is attached to a blanket or stuffed animal as these put more orthodontic forces on the jaws and teeth, inhibiting proper growth.

Unlink pacifier that can be thrown or given away, thumbs are attached and with the child all the time. For this reason, thumb and finger habits are harder to give up, and we want to wait until the child is ready to quit. Most of the time, this will be closer to age 4 or 4 ½. We have a wonderful program that we can give you to work with your child when the time is right. Our goal is to have them give up the habit in a positive manner before age 5.