Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are normal ways for babies and young children to soothe themselves. These habits become more of a dental concern when they continue as a child grows, particularly if frequent or forceful sucking begins changing how the teeth and jaws develop.
Table of Contents
Thumb Sucking Is Normal in Early Childhood
Babies are born with a natural sucking reflex that allows them to feed. Sucking a thumb, finger, or pacifier can also provide comfort and help a young child settle or fall asleep. Because of this, parents generally do not need to worry simply because a baby or young toddler uses a pacifier or sucks a thumb.
The dental concern is not the existence of the habit itself but how long and how intensely it continues. Many children gradually stop these habits on their own as they get older.
How Sucking Habits Affect the Bite
A thumb or pacifier repeatedly places pressure on developing teeth and the surrounding structures. When the habit continues long enough, that pressure can influence how the teeth come together.
Possible changes include:
- Anterior open bite: The upper and lower front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are together, creating a hole into the bite when looking from the front.
- Posterior crossbite: Some upper back teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside them.
- Protruding front teeth: The upper front teeth may begin to angle or extend farther forward (flared to create space for the finger, thumb, or pacifier).
- Changes in the palate: Persistent sucking can influence the shape of the roof of the mouth.
Not every child who uses a thumb or pacifier for comfort will develop these changes. The effect on the teeth and bite depends on the frequency, intensity, and duration of the habit.
When Should Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use Stop?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends helping children discontinue nonnutritive sucking habits by age 3. Pacifier use beyond about 18 months can begin affecting the developing mouth, although the effects vary among children.
Stopping earlier gives the teeth and jaws more opportunity to continue developing without the pressure created by the habit. Some bite changes can also improve after a child stops sucking, particularly when the habit ends before the permanent front teeth appear.
If your child is approaching age 3 and still regularly sucks a thumb or uses a pacifier, it is a good time to work toward stopping and have us check how the teeth are developing.
Is a Pacifier Better Than Thumb Sucking for Teeth?
Pacifiers and thumb sucking can both affect developing teeth when the habit continues for too long. One practical difference is that parents have more control over a pacifier. You can gradually limit when your child has a pacifier and eventually remove it. A thumb is always available, which can make an established thumb-sucking habit more difficult to change.
How To Help Your Child Stop the Habit
Punishing, criticizing, or repeatedly scolding a child for sucking their thumb or using a pacifier can make stopping more stressful. Positive encouragement is a better approach.
Depending on your child’s age, you can:
- Praise them when they go without sucking their thumb or pacifier; reward them.
- Begin limiting pacifier use to specific times, such as bedtime.
- Use a sticker chart or another simple reward for progress.
- Keep their hands occupied if thumb sucking happens when they are bored.
- Offer another source of comfort when sucking happens because they are tired or upset.
- Involve an older child in choosing how they would like to stop.
Some children need more time than others. Consistency matters more than making the habit disappear overnight.
Signs the Habit Is Affecting Their Teeth
Dental changes from thumb sucking or pacifier use may develop gradually. Parents may notice that the upper front teeth are beginning to angle forward, there is space between the upper and lower front teeth when their child bites down, or the upper and lower teeth no longer line up properly.
If you notice any of these changes or are concerned about a habit that has continued past age 3, bring it up at your child’s next dental visit. Dr. Davis can check how the teeth and jaws are developing and let you know if the habit is causing dental changes.
Early Dental Care Supports Healthy Development
Establishing a dental home by your child’s first birthday allows us to monitor their teeth, jaws, and bite as they grow. These early visits also give parents an opportunity to ask about thumb sucking, pacifier use, and other habits that may affect dental development.
At Power Road Dental Care, Dr. Davis provides dental care for children of all ages. If you have concerns about a sucking habit or notice changes in your child’s bite, we can evaluate their development and help you determine the next step.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 S Power Rd STE 102, Mesa, AZ 85209. We proudly serve patients throughout the Phoenix East Valley, including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek.
FAQs
Can thumb sucking cause buck teeth?
Frequent or forceful thumb sucking can contribute to upper front teeth protruding forward. The likelihood of changes depends on how often, how intensely, and how long a child sucks their thumb.
Will my child’s teeth straighten after stopping the pacifier?
Some bite changes may improve naturally after pacifier use stops, especially when the habit ends while a child is still young and before the permanent front teeth erupt. More significant or persistent changes may require further evaluation.
Can thumb sucking affect speech?
Dental and palate changes associated with a prolonged sucking habit can sometimes affect tongue position and the production of certain speech sounds. Speech difficulties can have many causes, however, so a child with persistent concerns may need evaluation by the appropriate dental and speech professionals.
Does thumb sucking affect permanent teeth?
It can if the habit continues as permanent teeth begin to erupt. Stopping the habit earlier gives the developing teeth and jaws a better opportunity to grow without continued sucking pressure.