Infants have a strong sucking reflex in their early months. As such, it’s common for parents to provide pacifiers to babies as a way to self-soothe or help with falling asleep. While health care professionals recognize the advantages of pacifiers for babies, extended use can negatively impact oral health. With this in mind, here’s what children’s dentists want you to know about pacifiers as they relate to your little one’s mouth and teeth development. 

Understanding the Connection Between Pacifiers & Oral Development in Children

Do Pacifiers Affect Mouth & Teeth Alignment?

Occasional use of pacifiers during the first year or two of a child’s life is acceptable and not a cause for alarm with a pediatric dentist. But, on-going use of pacifiers that extends well into the toddler years can cause issues. The sucking reflex can alter mouth development and impact the way baby teeth grow in. In many cases, extended pacifier usage can result in crowding teeth, growth issues with baby teeth coming in on time, and open bites or crossbites. 

When Do Children’s Dentists Recommend Weaning Off Pacifiers?

Children’s dentists do recommend pacifiers over thumb sucking for sanitary reasons. That being said, use of this apparatus should stop before your little one reaches 36 months. This way, there will not be any issues with teeth growing in or bite problems. 

How Can Parents Ease the Transition?

Many parents opt to ease the transition by slowly weaning a child off pacifiers and only giving them the apparatus during nap times or before bed. Make sure child care providers and every member of your family that engages with your little one is on board. Offering alternatives such as a blanket or a stuffed animal during naps or when comfort is needed is also helpful. If your child struggles for an extended period, call your pediatrician for additional recommendations. 

With three convenient locations, Kid Smiles is North Carolina’s go-to children's dentist. With flexible hours and a team of dedicated dental care professionals, you can depend on this pediatric dentist to help your child achieve excellent oral health. To schedule a dental cleaning, call (336) 885-5437 for the High Point location, (336) 788-5588 for Winston Salem, or (336) 626-7555 to connect with the clinic in Asheboro. For more information on the comprehensive services they offer in a fun, kid-friendly environment, visit their website.