Digit sucking (thumb or finger) and dummy sucking (pacifier use) are both habits of young children. The habits are generally harmless early in life but can lead to severe dental and orthodontic issues with prolonged use.

As a specialist orthodontist in Hawthorn, Dr. Carolyn Ng can help manage thumb and dummy sucking in order to protect the dental health of your child.

Dental and Orthodontic Problems Related to Thumb and Dummy Sucking

The impact of finger or dummy sucking depends on the following:

• Frequency and duration: The larger and longer the frequency of finger or dummy sucking, the larger the risk of dental issues.
• Intensity: The more forcefully the sucking takes place, the more serious the dental problems compared to light sucking.
• Age of stopping: If the habit continues beyond the age of 6–7, adult teeth are likely to be affected, and the problems can be worse

Long term thumb or dummy sucking can cause a range of problems, including:

• Anterior Open Bite: The front teeth fail to meet when the mouth is closed, causing problems in biting and chewing
• Posterior Crossbite: The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, and this results in misalignment and jaw issues.
• Proclined Upper Incisors: The upper front teeth slope outward, while the lower front teeth slope inward.
• Narrowed Maxillary Arch: The upper jaw becomes narrower, and the teeth get crowded.
• Tooth Decay: If a dummy is dipped in sweet liquids like honey or jam.
• Speech and Language Issues: Long term sucking habits may lead to speech delays or difficulties

Although not ideal for extended periods of time during childhood, dummy sucking can sometimes results in fewer dental problems since most children stop the habit before their adult teeth appear.

How to Stop Thumb or Dummy Sucking

Stopping a thumb or dummy sucking habit can be challenging, but with positive techniques and patience, it can be done. Here are some tips that can be helpful:

• Positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your child when they do not suck their thumb or dummy.
• Physical barriers: Try methods like finger guards, bitter nail paints, or cotton gloves.
• Reward systems: Use sticker charts to motivate your child.
• Gradual reduction: Limit dummy use to bedtime only and slowly phase it out entirely.

The key is to work positively with your child to help them let go of the habit at their own pace.

Management for Long-Standing Thumb or Dummy Sucking

When thumb or dummy sucking continues beyond the age of 6–7, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to address dental or orthodontic problems. Treatment options can include:

• Braces: Help in the re-alignment of the teeth and correction of bite problems.
• Habit-breaking appliances: These devices are constructed to make thumb or dummy sucking unpleasant and therefore encouraging the child to stop.
• Speech therapy: Provides support for children with speech or language delays.

Dr. Carolyn offers individual orthodontic treatment to address issues caused by thumb and dummy sucking. Consulting with an orthodontist ensures your child receives the best care and guidance for their oral development.