Are Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking Bad?

Sucking is a natural reflex for infants and young children, and many use thumbs, fingers or pacifier to suck for security or relaxation.  How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result.  Dr. Sjostrom recommends that thumb and pacifier habits be stopped by age 2.  Excessive sucking on a finger or pacifier can alter the shape of the jaws, leading to potential dental problems. Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children end these habits on their own, however if they have not stopped by age six, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your child’s pediatric dentist.