Will My Baby Develop Pacifier Teeth?

Pacifiers can be very beneficial for parents and kids, especially in those early months. The benefits of a pacifier are:

• They soothe a crying infant, which also helps soothe a parent’s nerves
• They can help reduce pain for a nursing infant
• They reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Pacifiers are especially helpful for premature infants in the intensive care unit since they can shorten hospital stays and aid tube-fed babies in learning how to use a bottle.

Unfortunately, pacifiers can cause problems for your child, especially with their oral health. The American Dental Association notes that both pacifiers and thumb-sucking can affect the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of teeth. They can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. URMC points out that the use of pacifiers especially causes problems in kids who’re older than age two.

Pacifiers can also increase the possibility of ear infections and cause breastfeeding difficulties. That’s why it’s advisable to introduce a pacifier only after you’re comfortable getting your baby latched on to your breast.

It’s important to note that the intensity of sucking can heavily influence whether dental problems may occur. If babies passively place the pacifier or thumb in their mouth, they are less likely to develop problems with their baby teeth than infants who vigorously suck their thumbs or pacifiers. As a parent, it’s crucial to take note of how your child is using the pacifier.

It’s also essential to avoid pacifiers that aren’t one-piece or have removal parts or liquid interiors. Clean your baby’s pacifier regularly and never dip it in sweet liquids.