When children are tired or getting ready to sleep, they often ask for a pacifier or suck their thumb. But how can you overcome this habit that harms their teeth? A specialist gives tips.
- “Non-nutritive sucking” behaviors, i.e. sucking your thumb, an object or a pacifier, have an impact on the oral health and development of children.
- According to dentists, it must be stopped no later than the age of 36 months with the help of a health professional.
- Experts advise parents to set achievable goals, be lenient, be patient and stick to a specific date to start quitting or weaning.
Comfort, calm, soothing… These are the positive effects of what dentists call “non-nutritive sucking” behaviors. Having a pacifier in the mouth, sucking thumbs or other objects can be beneficial for infants, but if these habits continue over time, they can impact oral health and the development of children. Indeed, the latter can cause language delays due to poor positioning of the tongue, a lisp, dental problems by pushing on the palate and teeth or even a swallowing disorder.
“Set achievable goals” for stopping pacifier or thumb sucking
Therefore, these habits should be stopped at the age of 36 months at the latest with the help of a health professional. In a statementDr. Katherine Fleming, assistant professor of pediatric dentistry at the University of Connecticut (United States) and Dr. Tiana Piscitelli, first-year resident, share their tips for stopping pacifier and thumb sucking. “You know your child better than anyone, so think about what solutions work best for them. Set achievable goals, like no thumb sucking or using a pacifier in the hour before bed, then move on to whole days. Let your child help you determine their reward for success.”
Crafts, walks: distract and occupy your child so that he no longer sucks his thumb
To help your child stop sucking his thumb, specialists recommend putting gloves, mittens or an oversized t-shirt on at night to cover his hands. “You can also make a sleeve by cutting the top off a sock.” It is also recommended to distract him and keep him busy with fun activities, such as crafts, a walk or a game, during the time of day when he is most used to sucking his thumb. Another tip: be lenient and be patient. “If the habit persists as your child gets older, your dentist will let you know if an appliance is an option. There are several fixed or removable appliances that can help break the habit of thumb or finger sucking.”
“Cut the tip” of the pacifier
When it comes to stopping pacifier use, dentists suggest parents read a book to their child about stopping pacifier use. It is also possible to wean it by gradually reducing the size of the pacifier. “Start by cutting off the tip of the pacifier, then more and more over time.” You can also exchange the sucking object for a toy with the “lollipop fairy” or replace it with a comforting object, such as a stuffed animal or a blanket. Dr. Katherine Fleming and Dr. Tiana Piscitelli recommend choosing a date and sticking to it to stop the pacifier or start the process. “Stay firm in your decision.”
