Pacifiers & Your Child’s Oral Health

We do not deny that pacifiers are a lifesaver for parents! They bring much comfort to babies in their early months as your child is learning to self soothe. Unfortunately, pacifier can harm the development of the mouth and teeth. Here is what you need to know.

  • Excessive use of pacifiers can prevent natural tooth alignment.
  • After age 3, pacifiers severely increase the chance of dental malformation, increasing your child’s chances of needing braces. Up to age two, teeth alignment and bone development issues usually correct themselves in a few months once cutting out pacifiers.
  • Pacifiers are found to decrease the chances of sudden infant death syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic. To prevent harm to your baby’s oral health and development, limit pacifier use to nap and bed times.

 

If you have questions or concerns, our staff is here to help! We look forward to treating your entire family!

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