Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are common, harmless ways to help babies and toddlers feel safe and soothed—for a little while. As your child grows, it’s important to know how and when these habits may start to affect their dental health. Children’s Dental Center is here to help families understand how to support a child’s transition away from these behaviors in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Why Do Kids Do This?
Thumb-sucking and pacifiers are 100% natural soothing behaviors. Most babies are born with a strong sucking reflex, and many even suck their thumbs in the womb. These habits can offer them comfort in a variety of ways:
- Self-soothing: Helps babies settle when tired, anxious, or overstimulated
- Teething comfort: Provides oral stimulation that eases sore gums during teething
- Sleep aid: A familiar routine that helps children fall asleep and stay asleep
Because these behaviors are so reflexive and comforting, it’s understandable that kids are reluctant to give them up—and that you may be unsure as a parent of how to intervene.
When Is It Time to Stop?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting to reduce pacifier use around 12 months and ideally phasing it out by 18 months. Thumb-sucking tends to fade on its own between ages 2 and 4, but some kids may hold onto the habit longer.
In general, it’s time to help your child say goodbye to these habits when:
- Permanent teeth are starting to come in (around age 6)
- There are signs of speech delays or issues pronouncing certain sounds
- You notice changes in tooth position, such as flaring or open bites
- Your child seems overly dependent on their pacifier or thumb for comfort
Every child is different, but if thumb-sucking or pacifier use continues beyond the toddler years, it’s very important to bring it up during your child’s next dental visit with Dr. Rowland, Dr. Selecman, Dr. Daniel, Dr. Greene, or Dr. Church.
Myths About Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Use
Myth #1: Pacifiers are worse than thumb-sucking.
Truth: Both habits can impact oral development if they go on too long, but pacifiers are easier to manage because you can take them away.
Myth #2: They’ll stop on their own eventually.
Truth: Some children do—but others need a little help. That’s okay! Our team can offer strategies or recommend special tools that make the transition smoother.
Myth #3: Talking about it will just make it worse.
Truth: Kids are more capable than we think! Open, age-appropriate conversations and rewards for small wins can empower them to kick the habit with confidence.
Developmental Consequences
Like we said, these two behaviors often have a very visible impact on dental development when they aren’t discontinued in the right time frame. Here are the most common results:
- Open bite: When the front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed
- Overbite or flared front teeth: Teeth may begin to angle outward
- Changes in jaw growth: Prolonged pressure can influence the shape of the upper jaw
- Palate narrowing: May affect how the top and bottom teeth fit together
- Speech problems: Difficulty with sounds like “s” or “th” can develop when tongue placement is affected
Since teeth and tissues move with additional pressure, these issues are more likely to occur if the habit is strong and frequent, especially during sleep. Early dental visits help our office teams keep an eye on your child’s growth and provide tips for gently phasing out these habits.
Breaking the Habit
There are plenty of creative ways you can help out your child, but it requires patience, diligence, and understanding. Remember that this transition doesn’t really happen overnight, so embrace taking small steps towards the goal of stopping.
- Gentle reminders: Instead of scolding, offer kind prompts. For example, if you notice your child sucking their thumb while watching TV, you might gently hold their hand or offer a toy to occupy them instead.
- Limit the habit to certain times: Start by allowing pacifier or thumb-sucking only during naps or bedtime. Once your child adjusts, continue to reduce usage slowly until it’s no longer needed.
- Set goals together: If your child is old enough, involve them in setting a timeline or choosing a “bye-bye” date for the pacifier or thumb-sucking. Let them decorate a calendar or choose a special farewell ceremony to make it memorable. This is a great opportunity to get creative and even have a little fun!
- Stay calm during setbacks: It’s normal for kids to return to these habits during times of stress, change, or illness. Offer comfort and return to your plan without pressure or punishment.
Instilling the Best Behaviors
Children’s Dental Center knows that this can be a tough process, and some kids will be able to stop more easily than others. Our team will support you however we can, from our three offices in Arlington, Collierville, and Midtown!