A young patient smiling into a mirror at Broadway Dentistry, which offers general dentistry for all ages in Fort Wayne

Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking

For most infants, sucking a thumb or pacifier is a natural habit that brings comfort, relaxation and security. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), most children stop using a pacifier before age four, but thumb sucking tends to last longer, and children who continue either past age five (especially once permanent teeth emerge) are at high risk for dental problems.

How thumb sucking and pacifiers can damage teeth

The damage is hard to see and builds up over a long time. The main risks of prolonged use:

Schedule an Appointment

Jaw misalignmentMost pacifiers are an unnatural shape for the mouth, and over time pacifiers and thumbs can guide the developing jaws out of alignment.
Tooth decayPacifiers dipped in honey or other sugary substances feed oral bacteria, whose acids attack enamel and cause childhood caries.
Roof narrowingA child’s mouth is pliable, and prolonged sucking can narrow the roof of the mouth around the thumb or pacifier, causing later problems with developing teeth.
Slanting teethSucking can make growing teeth slant or protrude, and use in later childhood increases the need for extensive orthodontic treatment.
Mouth soresAggressive sucking (popping sounds) is far more harmful than passive sucking and may cause sores or ulcers.

Choosing a pacifier

One-piece, to reduce the risk of choking
An “orthodontically correct” model
Never dipped in honey or sugary liquid
Rinsed with water, not cleaned with your mouth, to avoid passing on bacteria

Dr. Acosta reviewing a patient chart with her team at Broadway Dentistry, a general dentistry office in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Dr. Denise Acosta and a team member laughing with a young patient in a treatment room at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, where fillings and crowns are done

How can I encourage my child to stop?

Most children give up the thumb or pacifier on their own as they find new ways to self-soothe. If the habit lasts past age five, gentle intervention may help:

Talk to the dentistAsk the dentist to speak with your child; the message often lands better from a health professional.
Use an applianceAn ADA recommended dental appliance makes sucking difficult.
Reward, don’t punishLet your child earn tokens or points toward a reward for not sucking.
Cover thumbs at nightWrap them in soft cloths or mittens.

If these suggestions are not working, we can provide more guidance. Breaking a habit takes time, patience and plenty of encouragement.