thumb sucking

How to Stop Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use

October 14th, 2019

Many infants and toddlers use thumb sucking or pacifiers to self-soothe.  While this is normal behavior at younger ages, as your child gets into their preschool years, these habits can cause damage to your child's teeth.  Below are some ideas to get your child to stop needing to suck their thumb or use a pacifier:

  • Try limiting behavior first.  It may be hard to stop the habit cold turkey, but you might be able to convince a child to stop it during daytime hours or nap time.  Reward charts and other positive rewards can help you encourage them to snuggle with a plush animal instead of sticking something in their mouth.
  • Start a reward chart.  Some children love the sense of accomplishment they feel using a reward chard.  You can give your child a special treat for earning 10 or more stickers per chart.
  • Allow the child to take a special toy to bed.  Sometimes allowing a kid to take a special toy to bed helps them transition away from the thumb sucking or pacifier use.  This could be something you buy for them, but it could also be a favorite harder toy you might not normally allow them to take to bed.
  • Deploy the pacifier fairy.  Some parents use this spin on the "tooth fairy" to get them to give up their pacifiers.  The pacifier fairies give their old pacifiers to a baby, and in return, they get some prize waking up the next day.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

Thumb Sucking and Your Child's Dental Health

January 30th, 2018

Kids can have lots of bad habits, but one that we hear about frequently is thumb sucking.  Fortunately, thumb sucking is quite common and harmless for babies and toddlers.  Many children will even stop on their own.

If your child reaches 2.5 years old and still sucks their thumb, it may be time to intervene.  We strongly encourage using positive reinforcement and rewards to break the habit.  A reward chart for not sucking a thumb can motivate some children.  Even something as simple as excited, encouraging words can motivate many children to stop.

If you are still frustrated with this habit, talk to us about options.  We can give you personalized suggestions at your next appointment.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to take care of all your children's dental needs.  If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

Stopping Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use

May 22nd, 2014

Do you have a young one who still sucks his/her thumb or uses a pacifier?  These habits are normal for infants and toddlers. However, some young children become very dependent on thumb sucking or pacifier use. Many children stop on their own, but if your child is still harboring these habits into their preschool years, it may be time for parents to get involved.

There are many options to help them stop utilizing this habit including positive reinforcement and rewards.  Some parents have the "pacifier fairy" come and take the pacifiers away and leave a small prize.  Others use sticker charts and give other small prizes for not engaging in these habits.  Still others try to replace the use of thumb sucking or pacifiers by letting the child take a special toy to bed at time.

For older children, there are dental appliances available.  You can ask us if this is appropriate for your child.

As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to help you understand all aspects of your child's dental care.  Feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

general dentistry for kids in TucsonDr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!