Many moms look at pacifiers as guardian angels, allowing them and their babies to enjoy uninterrupted sleep; a win-win for everyone!
However, it soon erupts into a war when the baby is just that…hooked! When it comes to weaning though, that is a different story. Prepare for all hell to break loose!
First let us understand why does my child need his paccy? Can I keep my sanity and let him keep his pacifier or is it bad for the teeth? Do Pacifiers Affect my Child’s Teeth?
Here are 3 Facts You Should Know:
Fact 1: Babies Suck by Nature
Most newborn babies have a natural sucking reflex. Some of them even suck their thumbs or fingers while in their moms’ wombs.
There are definitely some advantages to using pacifiers during the first six months of a child’s life. Calming and soothing fussy babies, helping them fall asleep and most importantly contributing to reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Despite their benefits, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), advises care when using dummies: including buying one-piece pacifiers as the two-piece one may come apart, causing choking and refraining from tying a pacifier to a crib or around your child’s hand or neck as this could lead to strangulation injury or even death.
Fact 2: Pacifiers Can Hinder Breastfeeding!
The AAP recommends introducing pacifiers when your child is one month of age so that breastfeeding is not interfered. Well renowned pediatricians and lactation consultants advice that pacifiers can make things worse for children who have trouble learning to breastfeed.
Fact 3: Pacifiers Threaten Your Child’s Future Teeth
Mayo Clinic advises “prolonged pacifier use might cause a child’s teeth to be misaligned or not come in properly.” Other symptoms suggested by the American Dental Association (ADA) include “the front teeth not meeting when the child’s mouth is closed and changes on the roof of the mouth. These crooked teeth may necessitate braces when these children turn into teens.
Other practices related to pacifiers that can affect your child’s teeth include putting it in your mouth before giving it to the child. This lets the bacteria pass on to your child, which may lead to tooth decay. Your child can also get tooth decay if you are in the habit of dipping the pacifier in sugar water or honey.
DO you think it is time yet to say good bye to the pacifier yet?
Read on part 2 of this blog to find out 5 ways to make your child stop the pacifier!
Watch this video to know about the type of pacifier that is most functional to your child’s teeth.
Dr. Yasmin Kottait
DDS, HDD, MFDS Ed, Dip-Hyp CBT, MSc, IBCCES Autism
A pediatric dentist with a special mission: spreading smiles to children wherever she goes.
Currently working in MyPediaClinic in Dubai Health Care City
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