May 2, 2022

Teeth Development and Pacifiers

Giving a pacifier to a fussy baby is one of the most effective ways to soothe them down. However, when newborns get older, it might be difficult to break this practice. Pacifier use can result in inappropriate mouth development, which can lead to abnormal tooth growth and other issues later in life. Here’s everything you need to know about pacifiers and their effect on your baby’s smile.

Negative Effects

In the first few years of life, physical development is critical for a child’s general health. What you do today will have a long-term impact on them. The shape and alignment of your child’s teeth and jaw can be influenced by pacifiers. It can cause your child’s front teeth to migrate forward, resulting in crooked teeth or biting issues. When their mouth is closed, their front teeth may not meet, and the contour of their roof of mouth may vary.

Beneficial Effects

Pacifiers provide various advantages for both parents and children, despite the fact that they may lead to dental health problems. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), giving a pacifier to a baby under the age of one reduces the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

What Should You Do?

You should talk to us about weaning your infant off of pacifiers because they can be beneficial for other health reasons. We also urge that you schedule an appointment with our clinic as soon as your child’s first tooth appears.

It can be difficult to break your child’s pacifier habit, but there are several approaches you can use. Your child can enjoy the relaxing effect of pacifiers without acquiring pacifier teeth if you follow our guidelines and recommendations.

Call today to make an appointment for your child with our team.