What problems can result from prolonged thumb/pacifier sucking?
Most children that suck a thumb or a pacifier in the early years (before 2 or 3) have no long term problems. The more aggressively and the more time a child spends sucking, the more likely that problems can result. When the thumb or pacifier is in the mouth in these children, a sucking noise is often heard, and when it is removed a “popping” sound is often heard. Prolonged and intensive sucking can cause changes in the alignment of your child’s teeth, and the bones surrounding them. These changes include a space between the top and bottom front teeth, the front teeth protruding outward, a crossing of the teeth in the back, and an increase in the depth of the roof of the mouth. These changes affect the permanent teeth and often need to be corrected orthodontically.
