Pediatric dentist in Elgin, IL
One of the best ways to calm fussy babies is by giving them
a pacifier. However, as babies grow this can be a difficult habit to break. The
use of pacifiers can cause improper mouth development which leads to abnormal
tooth growth and additional complications later in life. Here’s what you need
to know about the impact pacifiers have on your baby’s smile.
Negative Effects of Pacifiers
Physical development is crucial for children’s overall
health in the first few years of their life. What you do now can affect them for
their entire life. Pacifiers can influence the shape and alignment of your
child’s teeth and jaw. It can move the front teeth forward and you may notice
your child developing crooked teeth or bite problems. The front teeth may also
not meet when their mouth is closed and there can be changes in the shape of
the roof of their mouth.
Positive Effects of Pacifiers
While they may contribute to oral health complications,
pacifiers do offer several benefits for parents and children. According to the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) babies up to one year of age who are
offered a pacifier at night have a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS).
What You Should Do
Since pacifiers can be beneficial for other health reasons,
you should speak with us about how to wean your baby off of pacifiers. We also recommend
that you visit our office for an examination as soon as your child’s first
tooth develops.
Breaking the habit of pacifier use can be difficult, but there
are various ways you can wean your child off a pacifier. By following our tips
and recommendations, your child can experience the calming effect of pacifiers
without developing pacifier teeth.
1640 Capital St., Ste 500, Elgin, IL 60124
