I used a dummy, but only when DD was really histerical due to the pain from her reflux (undiagnosed at first) or if she just couldnt settle any other way. It helped. We never used it outside of those times however so it never became such a massive dependancy.

She hated it and suddenly stopped using it herself a few months ago with a little assistnace from me as it was starting to become a problem ( I hated it too tbh) but it helped her and I would be in the loony bin if I didnt have something to get some peace.

I have a friend who sucked her thumb and her teeth are buggered. I guess at least you can throw a dummy away?