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Dr. Paddy

Will Thumb Sucking and Using a Pacifier Hurt My Child's Teeth?

Will Thumb Sucking and Using a Pacifier Hurt my Child’s Teeth?

By Kids Dentistry

Will Thumb Sucking and Using a Pacifier Hurt My Child's Teeth?

I can’t tell you how many times a worried parent has come to our Englewood pediatric dentistry office and asked, “Will thumb sucking hurt my baby’s teeth?” or “Will using a pacifier cause permanent damage to my child’s mouth?” Well, babies have an innate sucking reflex and pacifier use is tied with a reduction in the risk of SIDS, so actually in those first months of life, it can be a positive thing. Plus, think about it, if they’re not sucking on a pacifier or their thumb, they’re nursing or sucking on a bottle or sticking everything they can get their hands onto into their mouth. It’s what they do. That being said, if thumb sucking or pacifier use becomes a prolonged habit, problems can crop up.

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