{"id":196,"date":"2023-08-03T17:23:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T17:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplypedoorthopelham.com\/blog\/?p=196"},"modified":"2023-09-14T21:58:57","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T21:58:57","slug":"can-pacifiers-harm-my-childs-growing-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplypedoorthopelham.com\/blog\/2023\/08\/03\/can-pacifiers-harm-my-childs-growing-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Pacifiers Harm My Child’s Growing Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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At the turn of the 20th<\/sup> century, the pacifier came along\u2014and this device has garnered quite a reputation for being a lifesaver for parents struggling to soothe their fussy babies! However, did you know that despite their inherent usefulness, pacifiers have the potential to negatively impact dental development? Here\u2019s more from your trusted pediatric dentist<\/a> about this curious connection along with some ways to safely break the habit and ensure that your little one\u2019s teeth come in correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does Pacifier Usage Cause Dental Problems?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s worth noting that a pacifier can offer several awesome benefits to children; it\u2019s a great form of self-soothing, it can aid in weaning, it actively reduces the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), and it noticeably eases the discomfort associated with nursing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, for all of their benefits, pacifiers do come with potential drawbacks that manifest as dental problems. One common problem that often results from pacifier overuse is bite misalignment, including cross bites, open bites, underbites and other issues. These bite problems often occur when older children use pacifiers (usually past the age of 4), since the prolonged use may force the child\u2019s teeth to move. This prolonged use can also sometimes change the shape of the roof of the mouth, causing further problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In extreme cases, pacifier overuse has also been linked to gingival recession, or the loss of gum tissue that exposes the roots of teeth. Pediatric cavities are also a possibility, especially if the pacifier is dipped into a sugary or sweet substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Lessen the Impact of Pacifiers on My Child\u2019s Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, your child can still gain all of the benefits that a pacifier has to offer so long as you show a little care and caution. Here are some tips worth considering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n