When should my child quit thumb sucking or using the pacifier? As kids grow, their need to suck their thumbs or pacifier usually goes away by the time they are three to four years old.
Children are more able to control their behavior at this age. Ideally, a child will not need any help breaking the habit or will grow out of it with the help of positive reinforcement. If this happens before the age of four, then usually no intervention is necessary. However, older kids, who may continue to suck when they are bored, may need help breaking their habit with a specially designed retainer. Wearing the retainer will block the sucking habit and reduce deformation of the palate, allowing a more normal growth pattern to progress. It is important to mention these habits at your child’s routine exams so that we can properly monitor your child’s growth.
Related Questions
- When should my child quit thumb sucking or using the pacifier? As kids grow, their need to suck their thumbs or pacifier usually goes away by the time they are three to four years old.
- Are thumb sucking or pacifier habits harmful for my childs teeth?
- Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful to a child’s teeth?
