I can’t believe I still have infant questions on my sixth child, but this one is breaking all the molds of my previous five. I have always given my babies a pacifier, because (in my view) it is way easier to get rid of a pacifier than a thumb. This lovely, incredible blessing of mine absolutely refuses a pacifier. She’s only a few weeks old and seems to be throwing the pacifier across the room when we give it to her and insists on sucking her thumb. I’m so worried she’ll ruin her teeth. Any suggestions?
Sherri N. – Siloam Springs, AR
Sherri,
Children are one of the greatest gifts we can have in a family, but they sure do bring a whole new set of challenges to our lives. It fascinates me how unique each child can be. You can have a half dozen children in the same family, and they will all be completely different. Your little blessing is the same way.
So, she’s decided the pacifier is of the devil and wants her thumb. It doesn’t look like there will be anything you can do about that particular habit right now, unless you want to stay awake constantly and remove her thumb from her mouth. I don’t recommend that for either your sanity or your health.
Don’t despair though. Most children outgrow their thumb on their own. Occassionally, you get a child who is too attached and you have to take measures to help them give it up. That usually doesn’t happen until around six years of age. If your daughter falls into that category, your pediatric dentist can make a thumb sucking device that can help her break the habit.
Dont’ stress about it now. Just take a deep breath, get all the rest you can (in your spare seconds), and know that this too shall pass.
This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.