Skip to content 
At Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we know that habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use can be soothing for young children—but when these behaviors continue beyond the toddler years, they may impact your child’s developing teeth and jaw. Understanding when these habits become a concern and how to address them can help you protect your child’s long-term oral health.
Why Do Children Suck Their Thumbs or Use Pacifiers?
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are completely normal during infancy. These habits provide comfort, help babies self-soothe, and can even aid with sleep. Most children naturally grow out of these behaviors between ages 2 and 4. However, if the habit persists once permanent teeth begin to erupt, it may begin to affect dental alignment and jaw development.
How These Habits Affect Oral Development
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can exert pressure on the teeth and the roof of the mouth, potentially leading to:
- Misaligned teeth: Upper front teeth may begin to tilt outward, causing an overbite or open bite.
- Changes in jaw structure: Extended sucking can impact how the upper jaw develops, leading to bite issues.
- Speech difficulties: Misaligned teeth or jaw structure may interfere with speech development or the ability to pronounce certain sounds.
- Delayed eruption of permanent teeth: In some cases, these habits can affect when and how adult teeth come in.
Every child is different, and not all will experience dental problems—but if the habit is strong or long-lasting, it’s worth addressing early.
When to Be Concerned
If your child continues thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond age 3, or if they suck with noticeable intensity, it’s a good time to consult your pediatric dentist. Early evaluation allows us to catch potential issues before they require more extensive treatment.
Tips to Help Your Child Break the Habit
Breaking a soothing habit can be challenging, but with patience and encouragement, your child can succeed. Try these gentle approaches:
- Offer positive reinforcement: Praise your child for avoiding the habit. Use reward charts or small incentives to celebrate progress.
- Identify triggers: Notice when your child is more likely to suck their thumb or reach for a pacifier—then offer comfort or distractions.
- Provide alternatives: Introduce a favorite stuffed animal or blanket to replace the soothing action.
- Avoid negative reinforcement: Criticism or punishment can increase anxiety and make the habit harder to stop.
- Talk to your dentist: For more persistent cases, we may recommend a thumb guard or a custom appliance to discourage the habit.
Our Commitment to Preventive Care
At Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’re committed to supporting healthy oral development from the start. We help parents understand how common habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use can affect their child’s smile—and provide personalized strategies to guide them through change with compassion.
Our team creates a welcoming, kid-friendly environment where children feel safe and supported. From routine check-ups to habit counseling and orthodontic screenings, we’re here every step of the way.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
Worried about your child’s thumb sucking or pacifier habit? Let’s talk about it! At Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help protect and guide your child’s dental development.
Call us today at 719-282-6666
Find us in Colorado Springs, Monument, and Aurora—we love serving our community’s smiles!
Let’s build lifelong healthy habits together—one happy smile at a time!
