Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking | Pineville Pediatrics | Ballantyne Pediatrician

Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking

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Pediatric Primary Care

Thumb sucking is a habit in many children and young people, even some adults. This problem can have consequences in the development of the jawbones, teeth, and can also invoke alteration of facial aesthetic harmony. On the other hand, thumb sucking impairs functions such as swallowing and diction.

Like thumb sucking, the use of pacifiers is considered non-nutritive sucking. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), this habit is explained by the need to satisfy the urge for contact and security. On the other hand, many parents usually may be worried about the prolonged use could since it causes speech delays and dental problems.

Pacifiers and The Prevention of Sudden Infant Dead Syndrome

Although the prolonged habit of non-nutritive sucking may lead to oral issues, according to some studies, the use of pacifiers is associated with the decrease of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) among babies that are sleeping. In this sense, more parents are letting their babies use them.

Prevention Of The Negative Effects Of Finger Sucking However, both pacifier and thumb sucking are harmful to your toddler’s teeth if they become prolonged habits. Indeed, although these behaviors are not bad during the early stages, after two- to four years, they become problematic. Likewise, currently, the advantages and disadvantages of pacifier use and thumb-sucking are not well established yet. Notwithstanding, when your baby is using a pacifier, you can control when they are allowed to use it and it is no longer considered appropriate.

While babies are small thumb sucking is not an issue yet. Therefore, their mothers can try to offer them the breast to reduce thumb sucking frequency. In case of not being breastfed, pacifiers are recommended because they are softer and can be removed more easily than the finger.

Helping Your Child

After the first age, if the use of the pacifier continues, it is best to avoid it during the day and limit it only if the child is sleeping. In this way, it will not affect the oral health and the child will learn to speak without an object in their mouth.

Call Yout Trusted Pediatrician

For further information, call your trusted professionals on Pineville Pediatrics or Ballantyne Pediatrician.

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