Is Your Child Still Sucking Their Thumb or Dummy? Here’s Why It Matters (and What You Can Do About It)
Thumb sucking and dummy (pacifier) use are common habits among young children – they’re soothing, comforting, and completely normal in infancy. But when these habits continue beyond the early toddler years, they can start to affect your child’s dental and facial development in ways you might not expect.
How Thumb and Dummy Sucking Affect the Jaw and Teeth
Prolonged thumb or dummy sucking places pressure on a child’s soft developing jaws, teeth, and palate. Over time, this can lead to:
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A narrow upper jaw
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Open bites (where front teeth don’t meet properly)
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Speech issues
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Crowding of permanent teeth
What Parents Should Look For
It’s a good idea to take a peek inside your child’s mouth. Look for:
✅ A high or narrow palate (roof of the mouth)
✅ Gaps between upper and lower front teeth
✅ Mouth breathing or speech lisp
✅ Frequent dummy/thumb use beyond 3 years old
If you’re unsure – book a quick check with our dentist. Early intervention can prevent years of orthodontic treatment later.
5 Tips to Help Your Child Stop Dummy or Thumb Sucking
Breaking the habit doesn’t have to be a battle! Try these gentle but effective strategies:
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Choose the Right Timing
Avoid big transitions (starting school, moving house). Pick a time when your child is settled and happy. -
Use Praise and Rewards
Celebrate “no dummy” days with stickers or small rewards. Focus on progress, not perfection. -
Offer Comfort Alternatives
Try soft toys, blankets, or cuddle time before bed as a replacement for the sucking habit. -
Explain Simply
Help older toddlers understand: “Dummies are for babies – your teeth and mouth are growing big and strong now!” -
Try a Gradual Approach or Cold Turkey
Some parents prefer reducing use to only bedtime, then removing it altogether. Others succeed with a “dummy fairy” story to collect dummies and leave a surprise in return. Every child is different, and trust yourself to be the best parent for your child.
Need a Little Extra Help?
At Kingsford Dental, we love working with families to guide kids through habits like thumb or dummy sucking in a positive, supportive way. We can monitor jaw development, offer personalised advice, and refer to orthodontic or myofunctional therapy when needed.
📍 Book a free child dental check (covered by Medicare for eligible kids aged 2–17)
📞 Call us at 02 9662 0321
📍 Shop 3, 255–271 Anzac Parade, Kingsford, NSW 2032