Many parents we talk to joke about the need for a handbook for raising kids. At our office, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from parents of toddlers is when to drop the pacifier or thumb-sucking habit.
But, if you have ever tried to take a pacifier away from a strong-willed toddler, then you can commiserate when we say that negotiating peace in the Middle East could be easier. However, many parents worry that prolonged sucking can damage their children’s teeth and want to help them quit the habit before lasting damage takes place. And so, they come to us, the dentists.
One of reasons the pacifier and thumb-sucking habit is so hard to break is that it is actually formed in the womb. Below are the tips we give parents to help gently wean their children off the thumb or pacifier.
Set limits
Since thumb sucking is a soothing activity, going cold turkey can actually make a child more anxiety-prone. Many experts dissuade parents from trying to pull the thumb out of the mouth or hide all the pacifiers right off the bat. Increased anxiety around this source of comfort can backfire and make the process much longer.
Instead, tell you child where it is appropriate for them to suck their thumb or use a pacifier. For example, this could be in their bedroom or in their car seat. It is important to start to teach other coping mechanisms. By gently incorporating these into everyday life, you can cut back on the hours spent sucking on an object.
An important reminder is that sucking is one way many children soothe themselves to sleep. Therefore, this process could linger or lead to sleep disruptions. Be prepared for it all.
Don’t turn it into a fight
Toddlers, by nature, are defiant and know when you are serious about something. Don’t turn this process into a confrontation. Toddlers have remarkable endurance despite being so small and needing a daily nap! The problem with thumb sucking and pacifiers is that, many times, kids forget they are even doing it. Each time they pop it in their mouth, verbally remind them what they are doing. Don’t make this a long lecture—instead, verbally remind your child what they are doing. Or, if you child is already verbal, ask them why they put their thumb in their mouth.
Don’t purposely sabotage it
We have all heard stories about parents cutting the tip of the pacifier or rubbing hot sauce on the thumb to shock the child into stopping. Unfortunately, your child isn’t expecting and isn’t prepared for a drastic change, so while you think it may get the whole thing over with quicker, it may end up traumatizing them.
This also applies to putting gloves or mittens on a child. At the toddler age, they don’t have the capacity to process what is happening, and they will assume they have done something wrong and are being punished. This could backfire and cause more anxiety and thumb sucking.
Remember, you will break the habit
Just remember, nothing in parenting comes easily. Just like with potty training, one day it will click.
While we as dentists do get concerned about long-term thumb sucking and pacifier use, we will let you know when we see a problem. This is one reason it is important to bring your child in for check-ups starting at a young age at our Josey Lane office. We can help look at the problems and formulate a treatment plan. And don’t worry, no one went to college using a pacifier!
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