Are Pacifiers Bad For My Child’s Teeth?

In the first year or two, babies enjoy sucking on pacifiers to help them manage stress. Pacifiers can keep babies quiet in public places, can help them learn to self-soothe at bedtime, and can give your baby something to do when nothing else is available. In other words, pacifiers can be good for your baby and a relief for you.

But, are pacifiers bad for your baby’s teeth? Working with yourdentist in Seminole, FL, can help you decide whether the pacifier impacts your baby’s teeth, and, if so, what you should do about it.

Pacifiers Have Few Dental Effects At First
When babies are very young, using a pacifier does not affect their oral health or the shape of their teeth and jaw. In fact, many babies don’t even have very many teeth when they’re using a pacifier.

Pacifiers Can Become Problematic As Your Child Ages
As your child gets older, using a pacifier can become problematic. This becomes especially true if your child is still using a pacifier when they start to get permanent teeth.

Is Using a Pacifier Better than Sucking a Thumb?
Pacifier use and thumb sucking can have a similar impact on your child’s oral health and development. It’s important to stop both before your child’s permanent teeth enter.

Are Orthodontic Pacifiers Better?
Some pacifiers are designed to have a more natural shape that helps limit the effects of the pacifier on the mouth. While the shape does help limit your child’s risk, these pacifiers can still be problematic for your child’s teeth.

Take Your Child To the Dentist
You can take these questions to your child’s dentist when you bring them in for their firstdental examination in Seminole, FL. Call Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry to make their appointment today.