Who loves the pacifier more? The baby or the parents? It’s no secret that pacifiers and even thumbsucking an soothe a child, making the world a peaceful place for both the child and the parents for those few moments. Unfortunately, parents may be declining their child’s oral health by encouraging such habits.
If you have a young child that is continuously sucking on a pacifier or thumb, you should continue reading this post from your children’s dentist center.
Pacifiers, Thumbs, and Teeth
The long-term use of pacifiers can actually influence the shape of your child’s mouth and the alignment of their teeth. Since babies and toddlers mature physically, their jaws may grow around anything that’s present on a regular basis.
As the upper front teeth tip forward, teeth may become crooked and they could potentially experience bite problems. Problems with tooth position and jaw alignment could also occur. For instance, your child’s teeth may not meet when the mouth closes or changes may occur on the roof of their mouth.
Avoid These Dental Problems
There’s no denying that pacifiers are beneficial to both young children and parents. It’s recommended that by the age of 2, your child stop using the pacifier and that you discourage thumbsucking at home. After your child is older than 6 months old, pacifiers are more for your child to cope rather than to sooth. There are other things that you can do wean your child off thumbsucking and their pacifier.
Break the Habit
It’s much easier to help your child stop using a pacifier rather stop their thumbsucking habit, but there are a few ways to break both habits.
Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to encourage a new habit and break an old bad habit. Whenever you see your child not sucking their thumb or using a pacifier, shower them with praise and compliments. If your child using these two things when they’re anxious, do your best to avoid stressful situations and offer warm cuddles as a replacement for their pacifier.
The most important thing to remember is that it won’t help to punish your child when they use their pacifier or suck their thumb. In fact, they could turn towards their pacifier or thumb more often because they need to cope with the reprimand.
Some children need a little extra soothing, but you must put your child’s health over convenience and a few quiet moments without them fussing.
Meet Your Children’s Dental Center Team
Our knowledgeable team at Children’s Dental Center are happy to offer comprehensive dental care for patients ranging from 6 months old to 20 years old! Your child needs a trusted dentist like Dr. Thomas Youngblood to walk through your child’s development step by step with you. From the very first teeth that erupt, Dr. Youngblood is here for you and your family. Schedule an appointment by dialing (936) 657-1942.