Our 5-year-old twins just gave up their nighttime 'smoothies'... basically they were ready and were just waiting for us to say - enough is enough, you're too old for those smoothies. They still like to have stuffed animals to sleep with, but as far as i know those don't hurt their teeth...
When I took my older son to the dentist for the first time, i mentioned to her that my 2 1/2 year olds front teeth did not meet when he closed his teeth together, immediately she said it was because of the pacifier. I took it away that night and he didn't even miss it. It is now six months later and his teeth have come back to the correct postition. If the dentist is telling you to take away the pacifier listen! I will save you in orthodontist fees later! Not to mention the pain of braces for the child. Good luck!
My 3 1/4 year just gave up hers we went cold turkey and had a few unsettled nights and let her sleep in the bed with us but she is fine now never mentions it. So give cold turkey a try it is hard but worth it.
I think you have the right approach here – i.e. aware of both the emotional and physical aspects to this. The evidence today is absolutely overwhelming to say that the success and happiness of our children, throughout their lives, depends on the quality of the emotional and psychological environment from conception to about 7. Typically, us mums and dads have not been through a perfect first seven years ourselves and so we carry a lot of that with us. And one way we deal with it is to shut down on ourselves. This makes us insensitive without even realising it! I speak from personal research experience. So I want to acknowledge you for remaining so aware of the feelings of your daughter. It may not seem much to an adult with lots of pacifiers of their own [we all have them. Make a list!] but it is a big thing for the child. It’s all about feeling safe, close to mum, loved and nurtured during those falling asleep moments. These are moments when many people feel lonely so an emotional rip is damaging. You can force it and it will seem okay because the child has no choice but to get used to it. So yes, listen to the dental advice, but follow your heart and be with your child in her feelings as mush as poss. I am sure you will know the right time. Be curious about how you were feeling at that age, 3-4. Please do email me if you want to talk about it anymore.
