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Thumb sucking and Pacifier Use

Nov 8 • 1 minute read

Nonnutritive sucking habits such as thumbsucking and pacifier use are considered normal in young children.  However, if thumbsucking and pacifier use persist beyond 36 months of age, it is possible that the developing occlusion (the “bite”) and skeletal development can be adversely affected.  This is particularly the case if the thumbsucking and/or pacifier use is of prolonged duration or of significant intensity. Early dental visits can help provide parents with advice and recommendations to help their children stop sucking habits by 36 months or younger.  However, such recommendations may be altered based on the child’s development, comprehension, and/or ability to cooperate with habit cessation. Additionally, parents should be advised that they can play a negative role in correction of an oral habit, as parental nagging or punishments can have the untoward effect of increasing habit behaviors.  Furthermore, while many parents are eager to try various appliances or oral habit cessation tools, these appliances and tools are only indicated when the child wants to stop the habit and would benefit from a reminder.

 Drs. Hoang and Wong enjoy seeing patients of all ages, and can discuss any questions about thumbsucking and pacifier use that parents may have.

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