Does A Pacifier Mess Up A Baby's Teeth
One of the most common things parents give their babies is a pacifier. Some parents give them to their babies to soothe them, while others use them to help their babies fall asleep. However, there have been concerns about whether pacifiers can mess up a baby's teeth.
What is a pacifier?
A pacifier is a rubber, silicone, or plastic nipple that babies can suck on. They come in different shapes and sizes, and some even have a handle for easy gripping. Pacifiers are also known as soothers, binkies, or dummies.
How do pacifiers affect a baby's teeth?
When babies suck on pacifiers, they create a vacuum in their mouths. This can cause the upper front teeth to move forward and the lower front teeth to move backward. This can lead to an open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed. This can also cause the teeth to become misaligned or crooked.
When should you stop giving your baby a pacifier?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should start weaning their babies off pacifiers between 6 and 12 months of age. This is because prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental problems, speech delays, and ear infections.
How can you prevent pacifier-related dental problems?
Parents can prevent pacifier-related dental problems by limiting the amount of time their babies use pacifiers. They can also choose pacifiers that are orthodontically designed to reduce the risk of dental problems. Parents should also clean their babies' pacifiers regularly and replace them as soon as they start to show signs of wear and tear.
Conclusion
Pacifiers can be a convenient tool for parents to soothe their babies, but they can also cause dental problems if used for too long. Parents should be mindful of the amount of time their babies use pacifiers and choose orthodontically designed pacifiers to reduce the risk of dental problems. They should also clean their babies' pacifiers regularly and replace them when necessary.