Thumb Sucking

The suckling reflex is normal for the infant and does not become an issue in the growth of the jaws until around three years of age. If the object habit is allowed to continue it will have a very destructive effect on the normal development of both the maxilla and the and the mandible. This applies to the extended use of a pacifiers well.

A totally separate issue is the position of the infant when nursing. The infant must be nursed vertically in order to be able to swallow correctly with the trigeminal nerve and the muscles of mastication.