Pacifiers vs Thumb-Sucking – Which Habit Is Worse for Your Child’s Teeth?

31st Aug 2025

Pacifiers vs Thumb-Sucking – Which Habit Is Worse for Your Child’s Teeth?

As a parent, you’ve probably asked yourself this question — is thumb-sucking worse than using a pacifier for my child’s teeth? 

Both habits are natural and comforting for babies and toddlers. But if they continue for too long, they can affect the way your child’s teeth and jaws develop.

So, let’s look at the pros and cons of both pacifiers and thumb-sucking, and find out how you can protect your little one’s smile.

Why Children Rely on These Habits

Babies are born with a natural sucking reflex. It helps them feel calm and secure. That’s why many infants turn to pacifiers or thumb-sucking, especially when they’re tired, anxious, or trying to sleep.

These habits are harmless in the early years. Most children stop naturally between the ages of two and four. The problem begins when the habit continues beyond that. That’s when their teeth and bite can start to shift.

The Effects of Pacifier Use

Pacifiers can be both helpful and harmful.

Benefits:

• Easier to control — you can take a pacifier away when it’s time to stop.
• May reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when used during sleep in babies under one year.
• Can soothe your child quickly, especially during stressful times.
  

Risks:

• Long-term use (after age 3) can push teeth forward and cause an open bite.
• It may also affect jaw growth and the way permanent teeth come in.
• Frequent use may lead to ear infections in some children.

The good thing is, since a pacifier is an object, you can remove it. That makes it easier to break the habit compared to thumb-sucking.

The Effects of Thumb-Sucking

Thumb-sucking can be trickier.

Benefits:

• It comforts your child anywhere, without relying on an object.
• Most children naturally stop on their own.

Risks:

• Harder to control — you can’t take away your child’s thumb.
• Prolonged thumb-sucking can cause serious dental problems, including:
  • Open bite (where upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly).
  • Overbite (where top teeth stick out more).
  • Misaligned jaws.
• Strong thumb-sucking can also change the roof of the mouth’s shape.

Unlike pacifiers, thumb-sucking often continues unnoticed, especially at night. That makes it harder to stop and more damaging if it lasts too long.

Which Is Worse for Teeth?

Both pacifiers and thumb-sucking can affect your child’s teeth if the habit continues past the toddler years. But in most cases, thumb-sucking is harder to control and tends to cause more lasting problems.

Pacifiers may cause similar issues, but since they can be removed, you have more control over when your child stops. That usually makes them the “lesser of two evils” from a dental perspective.

When to Be Concerned

You don’t need to panic if your baby or toddler uses a pacifier or sucks their thumb. But you should start paying attention if:

• The habit continues beyond age 3.
• Your child’s teeth are starting to look out of line.
• You notice changes in how your child bites or chews.
• Thumb-sucking seems strong and forceful. 

At this point, it’s a good idea to consult a dentist. They can check if your child’s teeth are being affected and suggest gentle ways to break the habit.

Helping Your Child Break the Habit

Here are a few tips to help your child stop pacifier use or thumb-sucking:

• Offer comfort in other ways – Give hugs, toys, or blankets for security.
• Use praise and encouragement – Celebrate small successes when your child avoids the habit.
• Limit pacifier use – Save it for bedtime only, then phase it out.
• Identify triggers – Notice if your child sucks their thumb when anxious or bored, and address that need differently.
• Talk to your dentist – They may suggest gentle reminders or dental appliances for persistent cases.

So, pacifiers or thumb-sucking — which is worse? Both can impact your child’s teeth if they continue past the toddler years. But thumb-sucking is often more damaging because it’s harder to control.

The good news is that most children grow out of these habits naturally. With patience, encouragement, and the right guidance, you can help them protect their smile. And if you’re worried about your child’s teeth, don’t wait — look up a dentist near me and get professional advice early.

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