WHAT ABOUT THUMB SUCKING AND PACIFIERS? WILL THESE HABITS AFFECT MY CHILD’S TEETH?

Thumb sucking and pacifier use usually do not cause problems unless your child continues this habit for a long period of time.  Many children will naturally give up these habits on their own, however, if you notice that your child’s bite is changing (teeth are beginning to angle out or when the child bites down the teeth do not fit together) or your child is older than three years old, it is imperative that you intervene and help your child give up the pacifier or thumb.  In some cases, an orthodontist may recommend a mouth appliance to discourage thumb sucking behavior.