Non-Nutritive Sucking Habits: Pacifier and Thumb Sucking
The habit of thumb-sucking can appear as early as the first weeks of a baby’s life (sometimes even while still in the womb). Thumb or tongue sucking are generally considered normal behaviors during the first year of life. In most cases, if feeding is done through natural breastfeeding, these habits disappear spontaneously by the end of the second year.
These habits are often used by babies to soothe and comfort themselves. However, if they persist, they can lead to abnormal bites. The sooner non-nutritive sucking habits are stopped, the lower the risk of problems such as misaligned teeth and underdeveloped jaws.
Usually, if a child frequently sucks on a finger, pacifier, or another object for extended periods, the front (upper) baby or permanent teeth may tilt outward or erupt in an incorrect position. In addition, these habits can alter the alignment of other teeth and even shift the position of the jaw, leading to the development of abnormal bites.
Consequences
Such consequences can be temporary if the habit does not persist past the eruption of the permanent incisors. Therefore, pacifier use (preferably a physiological one) should be limited to between 18-24 months of age.
If these habits continue until the permanent teeth begin to appear, it is common to see abnormal bite developments such as anterior open bite (lack of contact between upper and lower teeth) or crossbite (misalignment that results in a “crooked mouth”). When this happens, a dentofacial orthopedic or orthodontic evaluation may be needed to determine the types of appliances necessary for interceptive treatment of these conditions. In some cases, a speech therapist evaluation may also be recommended.
Dental Visits
Therefore, early dental visits provide parents with essential information to help their children stop sucking habits before they affect the developing permanent teeth.
In conclusion, the pediatric dentist can encourage the child to stop a sucking habit and discuss the impact on teeth and the mouth if the child does not stop. These tips, together with parental support, help many children leave these habits behind.
