Pacifier or thumb? It’s a great debate for parents with a newborn. Many parents start out preferring to try and use neither but many Moms (myself included) cave before even leaving the hospital. You may find yourself offering up a pacifier in exchange for some sleep, and swiping as many from the hospital as you can find on your way out the door (myself included.)
Non-nutritive sucking, like sucking on a finger, thumb, or pacifier, is normal behavior for most infants and young children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is “associated with their need to satisfy the urge for contact and security.”
Many parents hope their child will take to their own thumb because it’s easier, always available and they only have 2 to choose from. I agreed until I had a 7 year old who’s habit was harder to break (because it’s always there) than her sister who took a pacy and stopped around the age of one. I can truly see the good and bad in both.
If you do opt for a pacy keep these things in mind:
* Never dip the pacifier into honey or anything sweet before giving it to a baby.
* Never attach a pacifier to the child’s crib or body with a string, ribbon or cord.
* A pacifier’s shield should be wider than the child’s mouth. Discontinue use if the child can fit the entire pacifier in his mouth.
* Inspect pacifiers frequently for signs of wear or deterioration; discard if the bulb has become sticky, swollen, or cracked.
* Never leave an infant unattended with a pacifier in her mouth, or let her sleep with a pacifier.
* Never substitute a bottle nipple for a pacifier
How do you break the habit whether it’s a thumb or a pacy? The AAP says: “Most often, they will stop on their own. Harsh words, teasing, or punishment may upset your child and is not an effective way to get rid of habits. Instead, try the following:
* Praise and reward your child when he does not suck his thumb or use the pacifier. Star charts, daily rewards, and gentle reminders, especially during the day, are also very helpful.
* If your child uses sucking to relieve boredom, keep his hands busy or distract him with things he finds fun.
* If you see changes in the roof of your child’s mouth (palate) or in the way the teeth are lining up, talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. There are devices that can be put in the mouth that make it uncomfortable to suck on a finger or thumb.
The good news is that most likely, they will not go off to college sucking their thumb and in most cases stop on their own by the time they get to school.
What methods have you tried for breaking the pacy or thumb habit? How old was your child when you finally decided to take action?
About Abenoja Orthodontics:
Dr. Christine Abenoja graduated at the top of her class from the University Of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine in 2005, where she was elected to membership in OKU, a dental honor society and received numerous awards including the prestigious American College of Dentists Award.
She completed her specialty training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and received her Master of Science in Orthodontics in 2008. She maintains a position as Associate Professor at UAB School of Dentistry where she teaches the current Orthodontic residents while treating patients at the Veteran’s Administration in Birmingham.
Dr. Abenoja brings an eye for beauty and detail from her artistic background as a graduate from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an enthusiasm for bringing that beauty to each patient’s smile. She encourages patients to grow in their strengths through the challenges of orthodontics and enjoy the positive power of a smile. She is currently an Orthodontist in a private practice in Birmingham and Warrior Alabama.
Abenoja Orthodontics is located at 8000 Liberty Parkway in Vestavia
www.bracesbham.com
