Thumb, Finger, & Pacifier Habits
Oregon City, OR
 Thumb sucking, finger sucking, and pacifier use are common habits for infants and small children. These behaviors provide comfort and security, but they can impact oral health and early dental development. Parents need successful strategies to help their children outgrow them and avoid potential issues.
The Nature of Sucking Habits
Sucking is a natural reflex for infants to feed. In addition, babies and young children often suck thumbs, fingers, and pacifiers to self-sooth. However, these habits usually fade away as the child develops past their toddler years.
Effects on Oral Health
Prolonged sucking habits may negatively impact oral health and dental development if prolonged, and several problems can result.
Dental Misalignment
Constant suction pressure from thumbs, fingers, or pacifiers may alter the growth pattern of the jaw and the positioning of teeth. This can lead to an open bite, where the bottom front teeth don't meet the top front teeth when the mouth is closed.
Changes in Palate Shape
The roof of the mouth may develop a higher arch due to the persistent presence of an object.
Speech Issues
Altered oral structures contribute to speech difficulties because proper tongue placement is not possible for all of the required sounds.
Increased Risk of Decay
Thumb or finger sucking can introduce bacteria into the mouth and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Thumb and Finger Sucking
Thumb and finger sucking are completely natural, but are often more challenging habits to break when compared to pacifier use because thumbs and fingers are always available for self-soothing, while pacifiers are often misplaced. The problem is that these habits are more difficult to control or limit than pacifiers, they may lead to calluses or skin irritation, and the potential for damage to oral structures is greater because thumbs and fingers are much firmer.
Pacifier Use
Pacifiers offer an alternative to thumb and finger sucking that can be controlled by the parent, but pacifiers come with their own set of considerations. The positive side of pacifier use is that they are easier to wean off of compared to thumb or finger sucking, and can be removed or limited by the parent much easier. However, pacifiers still come with a risk of dependency, and the potential for misalignment of teeth with prolonged use.
Breaking the Habit
Most children outgrow their sucking habits on their own by age four. However, if the habit persists, consider the following strategies.
Positive Reinforcement
Praise and reward children for not engaging in the habit.
Address Underlying Anxiety
Help children develop alternative methods to deal with stress or discomfort.
Gentle Reminders
Use gentle reminders to help children become aware of the habit.
Orthodontic Devices
In persistent cases, we may recommend devices to discourage sucking.
When to Seek Professional Help
Occasional sucking is normal in young children, but it is best to call the Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry team at (971) 459-2431 for consultation if:
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The habit continues beyond age four
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You notice changes in tooth alignment or jaw structure
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The child experiences speech difficulties
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There is persistent irritation or calluses on fingers |
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