Is thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier harmful to my child's teeth?
Dr. Brandon, tigard oregon | FAQGenerally, children will outgrow these habits before they become harmful. Some children that continue these habits may benefit from a corrective retainer that allows for a more normal growth pattern. If your child uses a pacifier, or sucks their finger or thumb, please mention these habits during your child's regular exams so we can properly monitor your child's growth. » Return to Top
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Pediatric Dentist / Oklahoma City, OK / Brian Molloy, DDS - ...Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, your pediatric dentist may recommend a mouth appliance.
Related QuestionsReturn To Top 8. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
Smiles For Kids Pediatric DentistryThumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Development of the teeth and bones may be affected by persistent sucking habits. Changes that may occur include bite problems, interference of normal tooth position and eruption, and alteration of bone growth. Professional evaluation of a habit by your pediatric dentist is recommended for children beyond 3 years of age.
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Children's Dentistry FAQ | Metro DentalcareThumb or a pacifier sucking over a long period of time may result in crowded, crooked teeth with a need for braces in adolescence. If your child has a thumb or pacifier sucking problem it is important to control it as soon as possible.
Related QuestionsWhat if My Child has a Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Habit?
Small Smiles Frequently Asked QuestionsInfants and young children will often use thumbs, fingers or pacifiers to satisfy their sucking needs. Most children grow out of their "oral phase" by the age of four. At this age, most dental problems associated with oral habits will self correct. After permanent teeth begin to erupt, the chances for tooth and jaw correction from an oral habit decrease significantly. Small Smiles, we feel positive reinforcement is the best way to motivate your child to quit their oral habit.
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kidzDDS.comPersistent nonnutritive sucking behavior such as thumb sucking / finger sucking habit, or the prolonged use of a pacifier can change your child's bite and appearance. We encourage children to stop these habits by the age of three. These habits can be very difficult to quit. Talk to your child and set a plan that you can work with together, such as giving a reward to your child for not sucking their thumb for a whole week.
Related QuestionsAre pacifier or thumb-sucking habits harmful for my child’s teeth and mouth?
Olathe, KS Pediatric Dentist | Dr. John FalesPacifier and thumb-sucking habits are usually only a problem if they continue for a long period of time or are vigorous. Many children will stop these habits on their own. If dental bite changes are noted, a behavior modification program or appliance may be recommended by Dr. Fales.
Related QuestionsIs Thumb-Sucking harmful?
Children's Oral Health: FAQSucking is a natural reflex in which infants and children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. This brings about a feeling of security especially during difficult periods. It is perfectly normal for infants. Most stop by age 2 and should be discouraged if not be age 4. Prolonged thumb-sucking can cause crowded crooked teeth, or bite problems. This results from the frequency, duration, intensity and position of the thumb in the child’s mouth.
Related QuestionsWhat about thumb sucking or using a pacifier?
Pediatric Dentist Dr. BlenFor infants, sucking is a normal habit that provides security, however, it is a good idea to discourage it by the age of two years old. If your child continues to suck the thumb or use a pacifier while the teeth are growing, it can create bite problems, or crowded, crooked teeth. Dr. B can encourage your child to stop sucking the thumb or pacifier during a visit. Coupled with support from you, this encouragement can be very effective in helping your child stop.
Related QuestionsIs thumb-sucking a no-no?
John K. Gunderson DDSInfants find it soothing to suck on a thumb or finger. It's quite normal. But usually the practice is abandoned by the age of two. If it continues as your child reaches five or six years old, thumb-sucking may lead to crowded or crooked teeth, or bite problems. Best to help children give up thumb-sucking when permanent teeth begin to emerge. Get your child off to a good start. Bring your child in to see me! Your dental team will teach your child the proper way to brush in a kid-friendly way.
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Magic Smiles Dentistry - FAQSucking is a natural reflex and infants as well as young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects on which to suck. It seems to make them feel secure and happy or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since sucking is relaxing, it may also induce sleep. Thumb or pacifier sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment.
Related QuestionsWhen does thumb-sucking become damaging to the teeth?
S Dental Care - World Class Dentistry in Moscow, Russia: Fre...Generally, if the child has stopped sucking his/her thumb by age 5 there is no permanent damage. If the child is a vigorous and constant thumbsucker, however, there can be moderate to severe movement of teeth and prevention of normal bone growth.
Related QuestionsHow do I get my child to stop thumb sucking?
Woodbridge Kids DentistrySucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep. Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment.
Related QuestionsWhen should I be concerned about my child still sucking his thumb?
Kim Henry's Dental Practice > Frequently Asked QuestionsWe hope that the habit disappears at least by age 4, but we really are concerned when it does not stop by age 5 ½ or 6. This is when the permanent incisors begin to erupt. A thumb is like a lever, and tends to push the upper incisors outward and lower ones inward, giving the child a “buck-toothed” appearance. If it continues, the child can actually cause excessive growth of the bone in front of the palate.
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Pediatric Dentistry • Cordova, TN • Dr. Daniel Fre...Thumb and pacifier sucking habits that go on for a long period of time can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. If they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist. Most children stop these habits on their own.
Related QuestionsShould I worry about thumb and finger sucking?
HeaderThumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by age 2. If your child does not, discourage it after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.
Related QuestionsAre thumb, finger and pacifier habits bad for the teeth and jaws?
Raleigh Pediatric Dentistry-Frequently Asked QuestionsThe majority of children stop sucking on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and three years of age without any harm being done to their teeth or jaws. However, children that repeatedly suck on a finger, pacifier or other object over long periods of time may cause the upper front teeth to tip toward the lip or not come in properly. Dr. Dave will carefully monitor the way your child's teeth come in and jaws develop.
Related QuestionsWhat are the effects of thumb sucking?
GrowingWell.com - Habits that affect your child's teethEffects of thumb sucking depend on the frequency and duration of thumb sucking. When a child places his thumb/finger between the teeth he is pressing the lower teeth inward and putting an outward pressure on upper teeth. The possible effects, thus, are: Another common problem mothers face is grinding/gnashing of teeth - BRUXISM. It usually occurs at night but if carried out for long period of time can cause wearing (abrasion) of both milk and permanent teeth.
Related QuestionsWhen Will My Child get Teeth?
Oak Park Pediatric Dentistry - Our Most Frequently Asked Que...Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general the first baby teeth are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months. Children's teeth begin forming before birth.
Related QuestionsFAQ'sThe first tooth often appears at about six months of age, but can appear several months earlier or later. Healthy babies can have markedly different teething schedules. Most of the 20 “baby” teeth are in by three years of age, but this can also be earlier or later. Some babies are not bothered by teething at all, while others are cranky, and seem to have sore gums. A cool clean teething toy or wet cloth can help relieve soreness. Teething biscuits can promote tooth decay.Related Questions
Should I worry about thumb sucking?
Dentistry.com - A Guide to Children's Dental HealthThat depends on the duration and the severity of thumb sucking. In other words, how long and how severely does the child suck his or her thumb? In severe cases, prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth and bite problems. Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants and generally they stop by the age of 2 years old. If your child doesn't stop by the age of 4, consult your dentist.
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