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My daughter continually sucks her thumb. Is this going to cause a problem?
It all depends on the age of your child. If she is still under the age of four and her teeth are still straight and not crowded, her thumb-sucking may not create a dental problem. But it's important that she stop sucking her thumb before her permanent teeth appear. If she continues her habit beyond this point, her new teeth and the contours of her jawbones may be affected. Bone contours are difficult to correct.
Is a pacifier safer for my child's teeth than thumb-sucking?
It's actually less safe. Because a pacifier is designed to be tough and return to its original shape, it can cause more tooth misalignment than a child's thumb. Both habits should be ended as quickly as possible.