admin
Apr 09, 2024
Babies are known to suck their thumbs because it originates from an inherent desire to suck. Many prenatal pictures of babies in the womb can be seen with their fingers or thumbs in the mouth. It is a natural reflex babies use to soothe themselves and gain nutrition. Many babies continue sucking their thumbs until they are there to four years old. Besides their thumbs, babies are often given a pacifier to calm them during a meltdown or crying spell.
However, many parents are wary of using pacifiers and are worried about thumb-sucking becoming a permanent habit. It confuses them about how to tackle the situation and calm the baby. Let us help you clear all doubts by providing the pros and cons of thumb sucking and using pacifiers. It will help ensure the well-being of your little ones and give you peace of mind.
Advantages of Thumb Sucking in Babies
If your bundle of joy has developed the habit of thumb sucking, it can be beneficial in the following ways:
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Thumb Sucking Helps Soothe the Baby
Thumb sucking helps babies comfort themselves when they are feeling stressed or are separated from their mothers. It gives them the emotional support they feel when they are being nursed.
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Thumb Sucking Helps While Teething
Primary teeth start erupting between six to twelve months of age and cause discomfort as they tear through the gums. According to reputed dentists in Hope Island, thumb sucking helps babies relieve the pain and irritation in the gums.
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It Does not Affect Talking
Babies can independently remove the thumb or start sucking. It ensures that there is no interference with their communication. If they want to talk or eat, they can easily do it without help.
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Does Not Need Sterilising
A pacifier needs to be sterilised every time it is put in the mouth of the child. However, there is no such need with the thumb. It cannot fall off the mouth and land in dirty spaces like the pacifiers.
Disadvantages of Thumb Sucking in Babies
Thumb sucking is considered bad for various reasons listed below.
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Thumb Sucking Causes Teeth Misalignment
If the child continues thumb sucking until three to four years, it can affect the alignment of teeth by making the upper teeth protrude outwards. It can create an open bite because of the constant presence of the thumb between teeth.
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Risk of Facial and Jaw Imperfection
Babies who such their thumbs all the time can affect the development of the upper jaw due to constant pressure on the mouth. It can impact the facial structure and shape of the jaw.
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Thumb Sucking Can Lead to Infections
Babies tend to touch various surfaces during the day, and putting their thumb in their mouth can lead to infections. Thus, thumb sucking must be prevented.
Advantages of Using a Pacifier
Pacifiers have been in use for a long time because they offer the following benefits:
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Pacifiers Create A Soothing Impact
Babies can become fussy and cry unnecessarily. A pacifier helps to soothe them and keep them calm when taking babies out to a new environment. It also develops bottle feeding skills in premature babies.
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Easy to Break the Habit of Pacifiers
While breaking the habit of thumb sucking is challenging, pacifiers can be easily taken away from babies. If they are given for a limited period, weaning them becomes easy. Also, limited usage ensures little impact on the jaw and teeth alignment. Thus, Hope Island dentists suggest using them sensibly.
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Pacifiers Help Prevent SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the accidental death of an infant while sleeping. While exclusive breastfeeding prevents SIDS, studies have concluded that using a pacifier while sleeping also helps.
Disadvantages of Using a Pacifier
Pacifiers have a calming effect on babies but can also lead to problems. Let us look at them.
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Pacifiers Can Impact Nursing Habits
Introducing pacifiers too early can make the baby confused and make them avoid breastfeeding because it requires a lot of effort. It is easier to suck the pacifiers and feels more comfortable to the baby. Thus, it is not a good idea to use pacifiers until the infant has become used to breastfeeding.
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Pacifiers Can Impact Teeth Alignment
Dentists in Hope Island recommend limiting the use of pacifiers as their constant use can lead to misalignment of teeth. It can also lead to lisp if they try to talk with the pacifier in the mouth and lead to speech problems.
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Pacifiers Can Lead to Infections
It has been found that babies who use pacifiers have a higher risk of developing ear infections. It happens because constant sucking opens the tubes of the ears and allows bacteria from the throat to reach the ears. The infection can be painful and even impact hearing of sounds.
Wrapping Up
According to dentists in Hope Island, it is best to use other methods to soothe the baby than using a pacifier or thumb sucking. Parents must identify the reason behind their discomfort and make them feel better by distracting them or showing tender love and care.
