Most children get their first baby teeth right around their first birthday, but did you know that the teething process can start as early as four months? Their primary teeth take time to grow, and it may not be the most pleasant experience. Your little one may be more irritable than usual or have swollen gums. You may even be doing your best not to let them put everything in their mouth!
Pacifiers have been a solution to this as they help your child self-soothe, but you should be aware that they can affect their dental health if you aren’t careful. Continue reading to learn more about some concerns about binkies.
How Do Pacifiers Benefit My Child?
As your little one starts to teethe, there are many ways you can help ease their tender gums. From giving them a damp, cool cloth to giving them a chew-specific toy. But one of the most popular ways is to give them a pacifier!
These can be lifesavers if your child wants to suck on anything they can. It is a soft rubber or silicone nipple that has a soothing effect on their central nervous system to help them calm down. There is even some research that suggests that using a pacifier in the first six months can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (just ensure that they are not attached to your little one’s clothing as they are sleeping).
Can Pacifiers Affect My Child’s Dental Development?
With many advantages to letting your child use a pacifier, it can be hard to think that they can have any negative effects. Unfortunately, this oral appliance can cause harm to their dental development. Many parents tend to dip the end of the binky in something sweet to encourage their little one to latch on to it. This can lead to cavities and, in some extreme cases, gum recession.
Additionally, thumb- and pacifier-sucking is well-known for causing misaligned bites when used for too long. As your child’s teeth come in and oral structures develop, they force the movement of their smile because of the constant presence of a foreign object. These malocclusions can affect their oral health, wear of their enamel, and their speech!
When Should I Wean My Child Off of Pacifiers?
On average, many people recommend stopping pacifier use between the ages of two and four years. The earlier the better, as a study in 2001 found that nearly 71% of children who used a pacifier when they were four years or older had some malocclusion. Compare this to the 14% of children who had misalignment issues that quit at two years old.
Many kids tend to grow out of the need for pacifiers, but it’s different for every family! If your little one needs some extra comfort, then this oral appliance can be helpful, but remember to keep it in moderation.
About the Practice
At Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, you benefit from a team of experienced pediatric dentists who are both board-certified. They are dedicated to giving your little one the care they need according to their unique needs. With an office that ensures your and their comfort, you can rest easily knowing that the treatment they get will be beneficial for them.
We want you to feel confident in your child’s oral health and will walk you through anything that you need to know, including how long-term pacifier use can affect their smiles. To learn more, schedule an appointment for your little one or call us at (303) 660-5373.