As we move into the holiday season, energies tend to run high with the excitement of celebrations and travel. For young ones, energies of all types can prompt self-soothing. And for some, that means sucking thumbs or using a pacifier.
In the office, I can often be heard advising parents that to prevent long-term effects to the teeth and jaws, habits such as thumb sucking or pacifier use are best stopped by 3 years of age. However, and this is a big one, I discourage parents from trying to stop this during times of change for their children; times like the start of school, moving homes, a new baby in the family, and the holiday season!
Whether in your home or wherever you are traveling, setting a boundary safe-zone where self-soothing techniques are allowed can help to keep children calmer. Oftentimes the child’s bed or sleeping area is ideal as many times the habits help them nap or fall asleep.
Instead of nagging your child about oral habits this holiday season, enjoy your family time and set goals to start in the year ahead. Feel free to visit our office for more suggestions on how to do so.
Keep on brushing!