Thumbsucking & Pacifiers

Often parents don’t realize the harmful effects thumbsucking and prolonged pacifier use can cause.  What seems like a simple habit to quit is actually more complicated than you would think. 

Thumbsucking is a coping mechanism used for self-soothing (something many parents have already picked up on through observation of their child.)  When the thumb, finger, or pacifier is in the mouth, it rests on “the spot,” an area on the palate closely behind the front teeth where the tongue is meant to rest.   It is at this “spot” that neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin are released creating a happy calming effect for the child.  

When a healthy rest posture with the entire tongue pressed against the palate at “the spot” is habitual, it guides the growth of the palate and maxilla (upper jaw.) You may have heard that weight bearing exercise is good for bone density; this is because bone needs force and pressure to grow.  The tongue is that force and pressure in the developing child. 

 When a finger or object is in the mouth, the tongue is low rather than resting against the palate. This prevents the force of the tongue from doing its job and can result in a high narrow palate/small arch that doesn’t have enough room for the erupting teeth.  Often crowding, flared front teeth, and an open bite (teeth that do not touch in front or on the sides) will occur.

Research shows that pacifier use can also stunt emotional development in boys due to the effect on the infants ability to mimic parent’s facial expressions.

  If left unaddressed, this habit can lead to:

• bite/tooth alignment problems (“buck toothed”) 

• a high narrow palate

• smaller nasal cavity

• speech problems

• sleep issues

• mouthbreathing (click here for more info on the dangers of mouthbreathing)

• embarrassment and teasing by family and peers

So what can you do about it?

I’m sure you have tried before.  It likely led to frustration for both you and your child. There is another way…

My guided 4-6 week myofunctional habit cessation program focuses on positive reinforcement and therapeutic exercise strategies to encourage replacement of digit/object sucking with palatal lingual (tongue) rest posture. 

• Fun exercises and items (“helpers”)

• Little hands are kept busy to encourage them to stay out of the mouth

• Calls for support when they struggle and praise when they succeed

• Completion Prize

• Nighttime solutions

Is Your Child a Candidate?

• must be at least 4 years old

• want to quit sucking

• capable of following instructions