Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that you discontinue the pacifier use by the time your child is one year old.
We hear you – that doesn’t give you a lot of wiggle room.
However, studies show that when you stop the pacifier or thumb-sucking habit, your child’s face, jaw, and teeth will grow more uniformly. It also decreases malocclusions (bad bite).
How do you wean a child off a pacifier or thumb-sucking?
Thumbs are connected. We get it. But if your child uses a pacifier or sucks their blanket, it’s important to wean them from that habit around their first birthday.
- Try the Binky Fairy. It works just like the tooth fairy. The Binky Fairy comes and to get your child’s Binky, then puts money under the pillow. The Binky Fairy then takes the binkies and gives them to the babies that need them.
- Cut off the tip of the pacifier. This relieves the suction that gives them satisfaction. So, while it sounds a little bit mean, it serves the purpose of helping your child to say, you know what, I’m think I don’t want to do this anymore.
Remember: it may only be $5 for a Binky — but braces cost thousands of dollars. So, you do the math.
If you are struggling to get your child away from a pacifier or thumb-sucking, watch this video from Dr. Joye Warr:
Dr. Joye does a Facebook Live twice a month at 5:30 pm. Follow us on Facebook to be notified when she goes live next!
You can find all of Dr. Joye’s video chats on our YouTube channel.
Have more questions about supporting your child’s dental health? Give us a call anytime at 336-887-9277 (WARR) to ask questions or to schedule an appointment. BONUS: we offer FREE first visits for children 2 and under! Call the above number for details.