Thumb sucking, pacifier use, and dental health

Pediatric Dentist Michelle Kelman, DDS, shares advice for parents on the negative effects that thumb sucking and pacifier use can have on your child's dental health
How Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Affect A Child's Dental Health
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Thumb sucking, pacifier use, and dental health

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Thumb sucking, digit sucking, as well as, pacifier sucking are very common in children, as we know. However, unfortunately, they can affect the alignment of the teeth, the shape of the jaw, change the shape of the palate, and cause many habits later on. We recommend that a child discontinue the habit by age three. Just yesterday in my office, we discussed pacifier use. I had a two and a half year old open up the trash, put the pacifier in the trash, and said, "Okay. I'm done now." It really depends on the techniques that you want to do to break the habit, but it's important to do and will help your child in the long run.

Pediatric Dentist Michelle Kelman, DDS, shares advice for parents on the negative effects that thumb sucking and pacifier use can have on your child's dental health

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Michelle Kelman, DDS

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Michelle M. Kelman is a specialist in pediatric and adolescent dentistry for healthy children and children with complex medical history. Dr. Michelle is on the Pediatric Surgical Team and Craniofacial Team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and on faculty at the UCLA School of Dentistry, Pediatrics. Dr. Michelle has lectured internationally and taught continuing education courses on topics including pediatric patient behavior management and advancements in pediatric dentistry. These advancements include everything from equipment technology to introducing complementary and alternative therapies for your child's health needs. Active in the community, Dr. Michelle has offered numerous pediatric oral healthcare presentations to community groups, professional organizations and various healthcare professionals around the country with a special emphasis on pediatric behavior management and dental treatment using both traditional and natural methods for children with various medical conditions.

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Transcription: 
Thumb sucking, digit sucking, as well as, pacifier sucking are very common in children, as we know. However, unfortunately, they can affect the alignment of the teeth, the shape of the jaw, change the shape of the palate, and cause many habits later on. We recommend that a child discontinue the habit by age three. Just yesterday in my office, we discussed pacifier use. I had a two and a half year old open up the trash, put the pacifier in the trash, and said, "Okay. I'm done now." It really depends on the techniques that you want to do to break the habit, but it's important to do and will help your child in the long run.