{"id":151,"date":"2023-01-24T05:04:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T05:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=151"},"modified":"2023-02-01T01:17:57","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T01:17:57","slug":"how-does-using-a-pacifier-affect-a-babys-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/2023\/01\/24\/how-does-using-a-pacifier-affect-a-babys-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does a Pacifier Affect the Development of My Baby\u2019s Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/AdobeStock_224224062__1675141080_95200-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"baby with a pacifier \" class=\"wp-image-152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/AdobeStock_224224062__1675141080_95200-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/AdobeStock_224224062__1675141080_95200-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/AdobeStock_224224062__1675141080_95200.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Babies love having pacifiers, but unfortunately, it doesn\u2019t mean pacifiers are always good, especially as the child and their teeth grow. Excessive use can cause abnormal tooth development as well as other health problems. But the good news is this is avoidable! Find out from a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/who-we-help.html#infants\">pediatric dentist in Chesterfield<\/a> how to ensure pacifiers are a comfort and not a problem for you and your little one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Pacifiers Bad for Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s true that pacifiers can cause problems for your child, especially with their oral health, but it\u2019s a matter of age. The American Dental Association notes that 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. So, while pacifiers are mostly fine for infants, parents should be particularly aware they cause issues for kids older than age two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pacifiers can also increase the possibility of ear infections and cause breastfeeding difficulties. That\u2019s why it\u2019s advisable to introduce a pacifier only after you\u2019re comfortable getting your baby latched onto your breast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Use Pacifiers Responsibly &amp; Avoid Damage to Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to note 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\u2019s crucial to take note of how your child is using the pacifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also essential to avoid pacifiers that aren\u2019t one-piece or have removable parts or liquid interiors. Clean your baby\u2019s pacifier regularly, and never dip it in sweet liquids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breaking the Pacifier Habit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most kids stop sucking between ages 2-4 or by the time their permanent teeth are ready to erupt. That said, if you notice changes in your child&#8217;s primary teeth or are just concerned about their pacifier or thumb-sucking habit, it\u2019s time to check with a pediatric dentist. They might recommend a mouth appliance to help break the habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Encouragement and praise are tools you can and should use at home to help your little one break the habit. Kids often suck their thumbs if they\u2019re seeking comfort or feeling insecure. So, instead of scolding your child, focusing on addressing the cause of the anxiety can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For babies who need a little extra comfort and soothing, pacifiers can be an invaluable tool. But, like all good things, they\u2019re best used in moderation and then hopefully removed from the equation after two years. With a bit of care and oversight, you can ensure that your baby enjoys the pacifier without experiencing any downside!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/meet-dr-sedighi.html\">Dr. Homer Sedighi<\/a> earned his dental doctorate at Washington University in St. Louis and followed with a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester. Now a board-certified pediatric dentist, he is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Sedighi will be happy to further discuss pacifiers during your child\u2019s next appointment. He can help infants, toddlers, children, teens, and kids with special needs. You can schedule a visit for your little one on his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/contact.html\">website<\/a> or call (636) 777-7777.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Babies love having pacifiers, but unfortunately, it doesn\u2019t mean pacifiers are always good, especially as the child and their teeth grow. Excessive use can cause abnormal tooth development as well as other health problems. But the good news is this is avoidable! Find out from a pediatric dentist in Chesterfield how to ensure pacifiers are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Does a Pacifier Affect My Baby&#039;s Teeth | Dr. Homer Sedighi<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A pacifier can soothe your baby, but how can it impact dental development? 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