Can Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking Cause Orthodontic Damage?

The act of sucking is natural for all babies, most even begin in the womb. After all, it is the motion that will sustain their lives for many months to come. It is comforting, soothing and teaches them to accept nourishment.

Many parents chose to provide pacifiers as a calming tool as well. Most babies will stop the practice of thumb/finger sucking and pacifier use on their own as they age. Others will continue, which can cause significant damage to the teeth and bite over time.

At A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we are very familiar with the results of the prolonged habit, and can help rebuild your child’s smiles, should any problems develop. Dr.Taylor and our amazing staff will work with you step by step to help overcome any orthodontic issues that may have been presented.

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Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below now!

Potential Problems

The length of time and intensity of thumb sucking and pacifier use can be a major factor for potential teeth and jaw problems.  If a child maintains the habit past the age of 4 or 5, or if they are very aggressive with the sucking, the possibility of problems increases.  Some of these problems can include:

• Teeth Alignment – the front top teeth will begin to protrude out and the lower teeth to lean in towards the tongue.
• Jaw – the upper jaw can narrow causing a cross-bite where the upper and lower teeth do not line up. Or an open bite can occur so the teeth do not overlap properly 
• Speech – Normal, straight teeth help us to pronounce our words. Lisps can occur lasting into adulthood if not treated
• Face Structure – The shape of our jaws affects the shape of our face, if the jaw is affected, the face shape could be as well. 

Contributing Factors

Other factors that influence the severity of future problems are duration, frequency, and intensity of the habit. 

• Duration – If a child stops the habit before 4 or 5 years of age, less damage will occur. The baby teeth may still grow unnaturally, but the permanent teeth still have a chance of forming normally, with limited damage to the jaw and facial structure.
• Frequency – Most children only suck their thumbs for short periods of time, others will suck all day and into the night. If the frequency is high, the risks for damage to teeth and jaw are higher.
• Type of Sucking  – Some children will simply lay their finger or thumb in their mouth others will actually suck with more force. The harder they suck, the more damage they can do.

Dr. Taylor, your enthusiasm surpasses our passive culture. I have never been to a facility of any kind in which ALL OF THE STAFF are upbeat. I know this is because of you!”

The important thing to remember is that ALL babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes. It is only when it becomes a habit that it can cause lasting damage.  If you have a child that continues to suck their thumb or pacifier past 3 years of age, it may be time to seek help to eliminate the habit.  We highly recommend you have your child examined by an orthodontist by age 7 to determine if they may need orthodontic assistance to reverse any adverse effects of thumb sucking or pacifier use. The reason for this is because, by 7-years of age, potential orthodontic problems can start to emerge. If this occurs, Dr. David Taylor can determine when a treatment plan might be appropriate.

Our Friendly Staff at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics are Here to Help!

We will begin with a FREE, no-obligation, consultation.  We will take x-rays and provide a full exanimation to determine the extent of possible damage, as well as offer treatment options, complete with costs involved and numerous financing options so that orthodontics can be affordable for just about everyone! 

We always take the time to explain your treatment options, answer your questions and make sure you’re comfortable with your care. Together, you’ll discover just how straight and beautiful your smile can be. Our free orthodontic consultation will help you find your child’s best and most affordable braces option. We look forward to working with you to achieve your child’s Perfect Smile!

Get Started Now!

Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below now!