Are these habits bad for the teeth and jaws?
Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers, and other objects on their own normally between the ages of two or three years old, and in most cases no harm is done to their teeth or jaws. However the children who repeatedly suck on their fingers, pacifier or other objects over along period of time tend make their upper front teeth tip outward toward their top lip and in some case make their adult teeth not erupt properly.
Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and four years of age. No harm is done to their teeth or jaws. However, some children repeatedly suck on a finger, pacifier or other object over long periods of time. In these children, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly. Q: When should I worry about a sucking habit? A: Your pediatric dentist will carefully watch the way your child’s teeth come in and jaws develop, keeping the sucking habit in mind at all times. For most children the AAPD recommends encouraging these habits cease by age three. Q: What can I do to stop my child’s habit? A: Most children stop sucking habits on their own, but some children need the help of their parents and their pediatric dentist. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, your pediatric dentist can encourage your child to stop, as well as talk about what happens to the teeth if your child d
Most children stop sucking on thumbs or pacifiers on their own about 2-4 years of age and no harm is done to their teeth or jaws. However, some children repeatedly suck on a finger or pacifier over long periods of time. In these children, the upper front teeth may tip outwards or not come in properly. Q: When should I worry about a sucking habit? A: Your dentist will carefully watch the way your child’s teeth erupt. For most children there is no reason to worry about a sucking habit until the permanent front teeth erupt. Q: What can I do to stop my child’s habit? A: Most children stop sucking habits on their own, but some children need the help of their parents and dentist. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, your dentist can encourage your child to stop. This advice, with additional support from the parents, helps most children quit. If this approach doesn’t work, your dentist may recommend a mouth appliance that blocks sucking habits.
Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and four years of age. No harm is done to their teeth or jaws. However, some children repeatedly suck on a finger, pacifier or other object over long periods of time. In these children, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly, and may require Orthodontic treatment to correct in later years.
