Dentist in Gainesville, VA Warns of the Problems a Pacifier Can Cause in Children’s Teeth

Although pacifiers serve a real purpose in caring for a young child, there comes a point in time where they have to give it up. Sucking his or her thumb or using a pacifier can make your child seem immature, but even worse, it could lead to teeth problems, according to your dentist in Gainesville, VA.  

Some of the major problems that can be the result of from extended thumb sucking or pacifier use include protruding front teeth,an open bite, lower front teeth that are tipped back and a crossbite. An open bite refers to front teeth that don’t fully close because they don’t come together whereas a crossbite refers to teeth that overlap in the opposite way in which they should. As a result, your dentist in Gainesville, VA recommends that your child be weaned off of pacifiers and thumb sucking sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately, getting your child to quit sucking using a pacifier or sucking their thumb is easier said than done, and your Gainesville, VA dentist realizes this. Helping  a child quit a pacifier is somewhat easier because parents can take it away, but thumbs are a different story. One recommendation for helping your child quit sucking his or her thumb is to offer them positive reinforcement for not doing it rather than getting upset when he or she sucks their thumb. Additionally, there are thumb guards available which can make it hard for your child to put their thumb in their mouth.

When it comes time to try to get your child to stop sucking on a pacifier, try dipping it in vinegar. This gives the pacifier an unpleasant taste and is completely safe. Another way to go is cutting the tip of the pacifier so it is not possible to suck it as hard which has been a good way of weaning off the pacifier.

Most of the time the problems caused by thumb sucking or pacifier use correct themselves without the help of a pediatric dentist in Gainesville, VA, especially if the habit stops by age four. Parents tend to be more concerned about the impact of sucking on a thumb or pacifier than the potential damage warrants, but if you have concerns, feel free to discuss them with your child’s dentist.

If you have any further questions about pacifiers or thumb sucking or would like to schedule an appointment, call Lifetime Smiles at (571) 248-7389.