There has long been debate, often quite intense, on whether using a pacifier harms teeth or not. Keep in mind that there are definite pros to using a pacifier. Some babies and toddlers love to use them, as pacifiers can be a great source of comfort. Pacifiers also satisfy the natural suckling instinct, and, for some babies, this allow babies to fall asleep faster and/or fall back asleep at night, which is generally good for parents!
This article covers pacifiers in terms of teeth alignment.
Generally, it is agreed that baby teeth will go back into alignment naturally after a few months without pacifier use. Although with permanent teeth, some problems with alignment caused by a pacifier will not so easily or naturally go back into alignment. Adult teeth tend to start coming in by about age 4-6 in most children. So, to avoid alignment problems with adult teeth, have your child give up the pacifier before the adult teeth start to come in.
How To Lose the Pacifier:
Some parents have reported that their child giving up the pacifier was not nearly as difficult as parents had expected. Try phasing it out during the daytime first (naps), then try night time. Maybe talk with your child about it first during the day when they are calm so they understand what is happening later that day, evening, or the next day. Going “cold turkey” on stopping using a pacifier can work – though a loving parent is usually required to do 20 minutes or so to rub the child’s back, reinforcing “Hush how, you’re a big boy/girl, and don’t need a pacifier anymore” for the first few naps and bedtimes. (Don’t try this if they are really sick; try a healthy, low-key week). There are other ways to get rid of the pacifier, such as: giving rewards for no pacifier use, having the child send the pacifier to the binky fairy, ‘losing’ it (make sure you hide it well!). Try “cold turkey” first, then maybe the other methods to see what works for your child and family.
For more information on pacifier use and how it affects children and adult teeth, or pediatric or children’s dentistry in general, please contact us. The dentists at Kits Family Dental in Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC, love working with children of all ages! Families, parents and individuals too.
