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Thumb sucking and pacifier use are natural behaviors in young children that help them feel relaxed and secure. But if these habits continue for a long time, they may affect tooth alignment, the bite and jaw development. Parents should understand how these habits can have an effect and when to start helping their child stop.
How do thumb sucking and pacifiers affect the teeth?
In infancy, thumb sucking or pacifier use is normal. But when a child keeps sucking for a long time, the pressure from the thumb or pacifier may affect tooth position and the development of the mouth.
Problems that may occur include:
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Protruding teeth: The upper front teeth may stick out further forward than normal.
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Open bite: The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting down, leaving a gap.
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Crossbite: Some upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth.
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Narrow upper jaw: Continued sucking may be associated with changes in the shape of the upper dental arch.
However, not every child who sucks a thumb or uses a pacifier will develop bite problems. The risk depends mainly on the duration, frequency and intensity of the habit.
Can thumb sucking or pacifiers really change face shape?
Continued thumb sucking or pacifier use may be associated with changes in growth around the teeth and jaws, which in some cases may affect the look of the smile and the proportions of the lower face.
However, a child’s face shape is also influenced by genetics and natural growth, so it cannot be concluded that thumb sucking or pacifier use is the direct cause of face shape changes in every child.
When should a child stop thumb sucking or using a pacifier?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), parents should help children stop non-nutritive sucking habits such as thumb sucking or pacifier use by about 3 years of age to reduce the risk of bite abnormalities.
Continued pacifier use beyond 18 months may begin to affect the development of the mouth and jaws.
If a child still sucks their thumb after age 3, or you begin to notice protruding teeth, an open bite or abnormal tooth alignment, you should see a dentist for further assessment.
How to help your child stop thumb sucking or using a pacifier
Changing the habit should be done gradually, focusing on understanding and encouragement rather than force.
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Use praise and positive rewards when your child manages to cut down or stop the habit.
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Notice when your child sucks their thumb, such as before bed or when feeling stressed, to find ways to help them relax.
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Gradually reduce pacifier use, starting with daytime before cutting back at other times.
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Avoid punishing or scolding, as this may stress the child and make them rely on the habit even more.
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Consult a pediatric dentist if your child cannot stop or is beginning to have bite problems.
If my child already has protruding teeth or an open bite, do they need braces right away?
Not necessarily, because some bite problems may improve after the child stops thumb sucking or using a pacifier, especially while the teeth and jaws are still developing.
However, if the problem remains or affects chewing, the dentist may consider monitoring development or planning early orthodontic treatment as appropriate. In general, a child should have a first orthodontic assessment by age 7, or earlier if any abnormality is found.
Caring for your child’s tooth and jaw development at TDH Dental
Dental care from childhood is not limited to preventing cavities. It also includes monitoring the development of the teeth and jaws to help reduce the risk of bite problems in the future.
At TDH Dental, parents can bring their children for an oral health check-up and an assessment of tooth alignment with our experienced dental team, and receive advice about habits that may affect oral development, including an assessment of whether orthodontic treatment for children, such as Invisalign First, is suitable according to each individual’s indications.
Caring for your child’s healthy smile starts with paying attention to small habits from an early age.
