Pacifiers And Thumb Sucking
Sucking is a natural instinct for an infant and often sticks around as a comforting habit into the toddler years. It really only becomes troublesome if your child persist sucking a thumb or pacifier past the age of four or when the permanent teeth begin erupting. The risks of these habits can lead to include overcrowded and crooked teeth, problems with the development of roof and mouth development and bite problems. Sometimes the front teeth may tilt toward the lip or not come in properly.
Usually, these habits stop on their own when your child begins pre-school or kindergarten. The peer pressure associated with being around other children their age usually persuades them to stop on their own.
But if your child is having troubling giving up thumb sucking or a pacifier, here are some helpful suggestions.
How to Stop Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Dependence:
- Praise your child when he or she isn't sucking. Be positive and not punishing.
- Reward the child if he or she doesn't resort to thumb sucking or a pacifier during stressful situations or falls asleep without sucking.
- Try trading the pacifier for another special toy.
- Don't make it into a power struggle or dramatic experience trying to wean your child off the pacifier. Be patient and always keep it positive. Stress only causes the child to want it more.
- Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety that may be causing the child to be dependent on sucking.
- Bandage the thumb or put a sock over the hand at night to remind your child of the habit.
- If serious enough, your dentist may also suggest a mouth appliance to block the ability to suck.
- In infancy, avoid ever dipping your child's pacifier in honey, sugar or syrup.
For advice or an office consultation about your child's thumb-sucking or pacifier habits, please you're your Utah specialists at Stevenson Pediatrics, 801-938-7870.