Thumb sucking and pacifier use are completely natural ways for babies and toddlers to self-soothe. It’s adorable when they’re little, and in the early years, it’s not a big deal. But at what point does it start affecting their teeth?
As kids grow, prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use can lead to orthodontic issues that impact their bite, jaw development, and even facial structure. The good news? With early awareness and the right approach, parents can help prevent long-term dental concerns.
Here’s what you need to know about when and how to help them break the habit.
Parents, we’re here for you!
At GO Orthodontics in Oxford, Saltillo, Southaven, Collierville and Corinth, we’re to help parents navigate these milestones with expert guidance on healthy dental development.
Our experienced children’s orthodontists, Dr. Todd Gililland, Dr. Shawn O’Bannon, Dr. Morgan W. Gonder and Dr. Shane Radford provide complimentary early orthodontic evaluations to catch potential concerns before they progress to bigger issues that require more complex solutions.
If your child is still sucking their thumb or using a pacifier past the toddler stage, it’s time to start paying attention! We’re here to support you. Here’s everything you need to know about your kiddo’s thumb-sucking habit as it relates to their smile — and if you’re ready for some in-person answers, book a complimentary consultation with us.
Why Do Babies Suck Their Thumbs or Use Pacifiers?
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are completely normal in infancy—it’s how babies naturally comfort themselves. From birth, infants have a built-in sucking reflex that helps them feel secure, self-soothe, and even fall asleep.
These habits are actually beneficial in the early months, as they:
- Provide a sense of security in new environments
- Help babies self-soothe and sleep more soundly
- Reduce stress or anxiety during unfamiliar situations
- Support early jaw muscle development
Many babies and toddlers rely on these habits to calm down when they’re tired, upset, or just settling in for the night. Thumb sucking, in particular, is often part of a child’s bedtime routine and can help them drift off to sleep.
The good news? Most children naturally outgrow thumb sucking and pacifier use between ages 2 and 4 without any intervention. However, if the habit sticks around beyond this stage, it can start to interfere with how their teeth and jaws develop — potentially leading to orthodontic concerns.
Orthodontic Issues Caused by Prolonged Thumb Sucking & Pacifier Use
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are harmless in infancy, but when these habits continue past age 3 or 4, they can start to affect the way a child’s teeth and jaw develop. The pressure from sucking can gradually reshape the mouth, leading to misalignment, bite problems, and even changes in facial growth.
If your child is still sucking their thumb or using a pacifier beyond the toddler years, here’s what you need to consider:
1. Open Bite
One of the most common issues caused by prolonged thumb sucking is an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed. This can make it difficult for kids to bite into food properly and requires orthodontic treatment to correct.
2. Overbite (Buck Teeth)
Excessive thumb or pacifier use can push the upper front teeth forward, creating what’s often called “buck teeth.” This misalignment not only affects a child’s smile but can also impact their speech and ability to chew comfortably. Ideally, we can intercept this condition with an orthodontic appliance (likely followed by braces) at an early age.
3. Narrow Palate & Jaw Misalignment
Constant thumb sucking places pressure on the roof of the mouth (palate), gradually narrowing it. This can cause crowding of permanent teeth as they come in and affect the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. In most cases, children may need Phase 1 orthodontics, such as a palatal expander, to widen the palate and prevent more complex issues.
4. Speech Difficulties
When thumb sucking affects the alignment of the front teeth, it can also impact speech development. Children may struggle to pronounce certain sounds — like “s” and “th”— or they may develop a lisp. Early orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues before they become long-term concerns.
5. Changes in Facial Growth and Child’s Permanent Teeth
In severe cases, prolonged thumb sucking can influence jaw growth and facial structure. This can lead to a more pronounced overbite, changes in the shape of the jaw, and without early intervention, they may need more extensive orthodontic intervention, such as jaw surgery or tooth extraction, in the teen years.
So, When Should Kids Stop Thumb Sucking or Using a Pacifier?
Most children naturally outgrow thumb sucking and pacifier use between ages 2 and 4, but if the habit continues beyond this stage, it can start to impact their teeth and jaw development.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends weaning children off thumb sucking and pacifiers by age 3 to 4 to prevent long-term bite problems. The earlier the habit stops, the better the chances of avoiding issues like an open bite, overbite, or misaligned teeth.
Why Does Timing Matter?
- Before Age 3: Thumb sucking and pacifier use are generally harmless and can even provide comfort and security.
- Ages 3 to 4: This is the ideal window to gently encourage your child to stop before dental changes begin.
- After Age 4: Prolonged habits can start shifting teeth and affecting jaw growth, making orthodontic intervention more likely in the future.
If your child is struggling to break the habit, don’t worry—there are plenty of gentle and effective strategies to help them stop!
Let’s go talk about the best ways to support your child in letting go of thumb sucking or pacifier use.
Tips to Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking
Helping your child break the habit of thumb sucking or pacifier use can feel like a challenge — especially if they’ve relied on it for comfort since infancy. But with the right approach, you can gently guide them toward healthier habits that protect their developing smile.
1. Positive Reinforcement
Children respond well to encouragement! Instead of punishing or scolding, focus on celebrating progress when they go without thumb sucking or a pacifier:
- Create a reward chart with stickers for each day they don’t suck their thumb.
- Offer small incentives like extra bedtime stories or a special treat.
- Praise their effort: “Wow! You made it all morning without sucking your thumb—great job!”
2. Provide Comfort Alternatives
Many children use thumb sucking or pacifiers as a way to self-soothe when they’re feeling anxious, tired, or bored. Helping them find new coping mechanisms can make breaking the habit easier.
- Give them a special stuffed animal, blanket, or fidget toy to hold when they feel the urge.
- Teach deep breathing or relaxation exercises as an alternative way to calm down.
- If nighttime sucking is an issue, try reading a comforting bedtime story to help them relax without needing their thumb or pacifier.
3. Use Gentle Reminders
Some children suck their thumb out of habit without even realizing they’re doing it—especially at bedtime. Gentle, non-punitive reminders can help break the unconscious habit.
- Try thumb covers or gloves at night to prevent reflexive thumb sucking.
- Use a safe, non-toxic bitter-tasting nail polish to deter thumb sucking.
- Offer verbal reminders like, “Let’s keep those hands busy!” during times they typically suck their thumb (like watching TV).
4. Consult Your Orthodontist for Habit Appliances
If other methods aren’t working and thumb sucking continues past age 4 or 5, it’s time to schedule a complimentary consultation. Around age 5 or 6 is when it’s ideal for your little one to have their first orthodontic evaluation anyway, so we can detect any problematic conditions developing.
Our doctors will get to know you and your little one, ensure that you’re both comfortable, then perform a complimentary evaluation to determine the best treatment route. This may include:
- A thumb habit appliance, such as a palatal crib, can gently prevent thumb sucking without causing discomfort. These appliances discourage sucking behaviors by making it harder to create the suction children are used to.
- Early intervention with Phase 1 Orthodontics allows us to interfere with any developing jaw and dental issues, guide the jaws into proper alignment, and help prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later on. Depending on your child’s age and condition, Phase 1 Orthodontics may include a palatal expander to widen the upper jaw bone and create enough space for permanent teeth to emerge.
Breaking thumb-sucking and pacifier habits takes time and patience — but with a little creativity, encouragement and expert guidance, your child can kick the habit and be well on their way to a healthy, beautiful smile!
Why an Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters
As parents, we do everything we can to set our kids up for success—whether it’s encouraging healthy habits or ensuring they get the right medical care. But did you know that your child’s orthodontic health should be monitored early, too?
Most parents assume braces come later, but experts (like our team and the American Association of Orthodontists) recommend an early orthodontic evaluation around age 6 to catch potential problems before they progress. This is especially important if your child has had prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use, as these habits can affect jaw development and tooth alignment over time.
At GO Orthodontics, we specialize in children’s orthodontics and Phase 1 orthodontics, which focuses on guiding jaw growth and correcting bite issues in young children. Addressing these concerns early can help prevent more complex treatment later, like tooth extractions or jaw surgery.
What Happens at an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
Your child’s first orthodontic visit is simple, stress-free, and designed to give you peace of mind. Here’s what you can expect:
- A comprehensive exam – We’ll check your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development to identify any early concerns.
- Digital X-rays and scans – These help us spot hidden orthodontic issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
- Discussion of thumb-sucking habits or other concerns – If habits like thumb sucking have impacted their bite, we can offer gentle, effective solutions like habit appliances.
- Personalized treatment plan – If your child needs early intervention, we’ll create a customized plan to ensure healthy dental growth.
How Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Help
Many parents ask: If baby teeth fall out anyway, why does early orthodontic care matter?
The truth is, jaw growth and bite development start early — and orthodontic issues often lie below the teeth, in the structure of the jaws. After all, an orthodontic issue is called a “malocclusion”, which means a bad or misaligned bite.
It’s easier to work with your kiddo’s natural growth and development to prepare the jaw bones for permanent teeth before they fully emerge.
Early intervention can:
- Prevent overcrowding and bite problems before they worsen.
- Guide proper jaw growth, reducing the need for future extractions.
- Lower the chances of needing full braces or surgery later.
- Make future orthodontic treatment shorter, easier, and more affordable.
By scheduling an early orthodontic evaluation, you’re giving your child the best chance at a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit Today
If your little one is still holding onto their thumb-sucking habit or pacifier, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many kids need a little extra encouragement to let go of these comforting habits.
The good news? Early intervention can make a big difference, helping to prevent long-term dental issues and ensuring a healthy, confident smile as they grow.
At GO Orthodontics, we believe that early orthodontic care should be easy, stress-free, and tailored to your child’s unique needs. With convenient orthodontic offices near you in Oxford, Saltillo, Southaven, Collierville and Corinth, our experienced team is here to guide your child toward a strong, well-aligned smile for life—all in a fun, welcoming environment designed for your family to feel comfortable.
If your child is around the age of 5, let’s get their first orthodontic evaluation on the schedule — it’s complimentary!
