ParentLife Blog

Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use

You probably have one or the other: a thumb sucker or a pacifier user. (Or a former one of either; in which case, congratulations!) My daughter was a total pacifier junkie. I feared breaking her of it, but just before she turned 2, we went cold turkey with great success. I've yet to deal with a thumb sucker, although I've said I wished my baby would just find his thumb and self-soothe!

Here's some information from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on thumb sucking and pacifier use.

Thumb sucking is normal behavior for infants; it is a way to feel secure, make contact with, and learn about the world. Most children stop sucking habits between ages two and four. However, frequent or intense sucking habits can affect a child’s bite and oral bone structure forms. If the habit continues beyond age three, a professional evaluation is recommended.

Strategies to Deter Thumb Sucking

• Use Authority: The most effective way to deter children from thumb sucking is to have a pediatric professional talk to them (when old enough to understand) the possible results of a sucking habit, specifically about what can happen to their teeth and jaws. This advice, coupled with support from parents, may help most children kick the habit.
• Be Positive: Always use positive reinforcement (rewards or praise) as opposed to negative reinforcement when trying to wean children off a habit. 
• Engage and Distract: Distractions often work to weaken the habit – when thumb sucking is noticed, ask the child to participate in an activity that requires the use of both hands (e.g. “patty cake” or a creative project).
• Reveal Stressors: Try to determine and address any causes of anxiety or insecurity that may be causing a child to turn to thumb sucking.
• Help Them Notice: Put a bandage on thumbs or create a secret signal between caregiver and child to help them realize what they are doing without inflicting shame.

If these approaches do not work, the pediatric dentist can recommend ways to change the behavior, including a mouth appliance that interferes with sucking habits. 

Thumb, finger, and pacifier sucking affect the teeth and jaws in essentially the same way. However, a pacifier habit is often easier to break. Offering alternative means of pacification may help break the attachment to the pacifier, such as a night-light, a special stuffed toy, or blanket. These alternatives can give the child a sense of security and comfort without detrimentally affecting their oral health.

Have you had to wean a child from a pacifier or sucking their thumb? What are your tips?

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