We are often asked if pacifiers effect baby’s teeth. The answer is yes if an infant continues to use them throughout their early years. Pacifiers are generally safe to use in the very early stages of a baby’s development. Parents often find them an acceptable way to help soothe fussy baby when all else fails, including cuddling, holding, feeding, and changing diapers. There are many resources online and books and articles written about the use of pacifiers, and we encourage you to discuss with your pediatrician what is right for you and your baby.
From the standpoint of your baby’s teeth and oral health, most dentists recommend that a child not continue a pacifier after the age of three. Dr. AJ informs parents that, “after the age of three, dental malformation can occur if a child uses a pacifier continuously. Sucking strengths increase and more teeth are aligned into the dental arch that can be effected.” Excessive and forceful pacifier sucking may cause an overbite, flared or spaced front teeth, and can narrow the palate. The longer you wait to get rid of the pacifier, the harder it can get. Therefore, you may want to start sooner rather than later.
Besides affecting the teeth’s natural positioning, The Academy of General Dentistry reports that pacifier users are also more likely to suffer from acute middle ear infections. Pacifier use beyond the age of five can also delay your child’s baby teeth from falling out to make room for their permanent teeth. As hard as it may be to have your child give up his or her pacifier, long term exposure can cause numerous dental problems and make orthodontic problems more severe.
Some tips for breaking habits that our orthodontists commonly discuss with parents battling habits with their youngsters include: 1) create a reward “star chart” for their child to work toward something important to them, 2) trim the pacifier little by little with scissors so it becomes progressively more difficult to get the satisfaction of sucking it, 3) donate their pacifier to a “child in need” of one (but don’t actually donate it, that’s gross).
We have numerous tips for breaking other habits as well which we will cover in another blog or in person should you have any questions about these issues at your next appointment. We are here to help!
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
