Many parents are ready to give their newborn a pacifier to help them feel more calm. Quite a few babies rely on the therapeutic sucking sensation when they are in distress or simply to fall sleep. If it means it avoid tears and screams, parents often oblige. But what are the impacts of the pacifier as the baby develops, especially as their teeth starts to come? We at Smile Reef would like to briefly discuss the impact the pacifier has on your baby’s teeth and gums.
Pacifier Pros & Cons
The AGD, Academy of General Dentistry, has related that pacifiers offer advantages and disadvantages. Pacifiers are a sensitive and highly debated subject among parents, even if the child has already demonstrated their take on the binky.
Pros of Pacifers:
– Infants are provided a source of comfort with a pacifier.
– Because babies with pacifiers sleep less deeply and are more easily roused, pacifiers can contribute to reducing the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome.
Cons of Pacifiers:-
The development of the mouth and teeth can be harmed with pacifier use.
– Long term use can alter the roof of the mouth’s shape. Contributing to improper mouth growth and creating tooth alignment problems.
– The risk of acute middle ear infections is increased with the use of pacifiers.
Pacifier to Replace Thumb?
Generally, the majority of parents agree that the pacifier is the preferred choice over thumb sucking and an amazing tool to calm and soothe a fussy baby. However, a warning among dental experts; it can interfere with the development of healthy teeth once your child is preschool-aged. In the event your child continues the dependence of using a pacifier past the age of three, severe dental malformation can occur, which is even more alarming. Also consider children that use pacifiers beyond the toddler years are more likely to need braces in later years.
Pacifier Tips to Minimize Risk of Crooked Teeth & Dental Problems
If you feel your infant is in need of a pacifier, consider applying these tips below to avoid the serious repercussions of their dental health.
1) Limit the use of a pacifier when your infant falls asleep.
2) To permit the passage of air, choose pacifiers with ventilation holes in the shield.
3) Clean and change the pacifier frequently.
The best time to break your little one of their pacifier dependence is by age 2 or sooner. By the time they are 2, teeth alignment or bone development problems usually correct themselves by about 6 months after pacifier use stops
Tips for How to Get Rid of Pacifier
Tips to wean your toddler from the pacifier:
1) Accidentally on purpose forget to bring it with you when you leave the house or go on vacation.
2) Cut the pacifier shorter or pierce the top to decrease the satisfaction of the sucking effect.
3) Ask your pediatric dentist for additional advice if your child struggles with breaking the binky habit.
Pediatric Dentistry
Smile Reef knows that some parents rely on the pacifier to give their babies the comfort they crave. Be sure in addition to keeping the pacifier clean, you are practicing good oral care for your baby and routinely scheduling dental visits to monitor their growth. Call us today to schedule your baby’s appointment.
