If you’re a pretty new parent, you likely let your child use a pacifier sometimes. That’s fine – the small item can do a great job soothing your cranky baby! Still, you should be careful of how long your little one relies on this sucker. A pacifier could cause problems for their oral health if it’s used too much. Your pediatric dentist will even explain the details. So, here’s how pacifiers harm baby teeth and ways to use them responsibly.
How Can Pacifiers Harm Baby Teeth?
While pacifiers often keep babies calm, they can have downsides. Letting your child use them too much may cause dental issues, including:
Bite Misalignment/Pacifier Teeth
Letting babies use pacifiers past the toddler stage is not a good idea. By that point, their bites will have become misaligned.
The issue is that a pacifier can affect mouth growth and tooth position. When used often enough, the object will force a child’s teeth to move and even change their palate’s shape. Your little one could then have front teeth that don’t meet in a closed mouth (i.e., “pacifier teeth”). They could also develop a crooked smile, front teeth that tip forward, or worse.
Gingival Recession & Cavities
The issues with pacifiers don’t end with “pacifier teeth,” either. These devices can cause gum loss and cavities in extreme cases.
If you dip pacifiers in sweet stuff, the risk of gum loss and tooth decay only increases. Make sure you keep the sucker away from sugar to avoid plaque buildup.
Tips on Responsible Pacifier Use
Pacifiers carry oral risks, but they shouldn’t cause problems when used responsibly. Just remember these tips and tricks:
- Watch Your Baby: Dental problems are less likely when a baby just places a pacifier in their mouth. Meanwhile, strongly sucking the object is risky.
- Avoid Hazards: Don’t let your child use pacifiers with removable parts or liquid interiors. Plus, clean the one your baby uses often.
- Break the Habit: Before changes occur in their primary teeth, encourage and praise your child to break their pacifier habit. Helping them give it up between ages two and four will reduce the odds of oral problems.
You may need help to ensure pacifiers don’t harm your baby’s teeth. In that case, consult your pediatric dentist for more assistance.
About the Practice
Tic Tac Tooth is based in Naperville, IL. Led by our four wonderful dentists, our practice strives to provide children’s dentistry you can trust! That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and even emergency services, all to ensure your kids have thriving smiles. Our team is also ready to help your baby beat their pacifier or thumb-sucking habit. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (630)-995-3393.