While most babies are soothed by pacifiers, dentists warn that their continued use can cause negative effects. Understanding these effects is essential for parents. Doing so will help you make smart choices and ensure your children enjoy excellent oral hygiene for life.

The Effects of Pacifiers on Oral Development

In general, kids may use pacifiers until age two without any major issues. However, children who continue to use pacifiers after this age may experience significant dental issues. As your child grows, so do their oral cavity. As a result, any object that’s constantly in the mouth will impact development, which can alter the shape of the jaw and the alignment of teeth.

Along with crooked teeth, children may also experience protruding front teeth or problems with bite alignment. The roof of the mouth may also be impacted, causing overbites to form. Remedying these problems after they occur often entails comprehensive dental procedures, which is why dentists urge parents to break the pacifier habit before development issues occur.

How to Wean Your Child Off Pacifiers

Some parents replace the pacifier with a treat or toy their child finds enjoyable. While it may take a few tries, this is a good way to use positive reinforcement to reward a child for good behavior. You can also make up a story about the pacifier, telling your child it’s on vacation or visiting its family in a faraway place.

Other parents simply discard the pacifier and force their child to quit cold turkey. All children react differently to this process and it’s typically up to the parents to decide which option is best.

The dentists at Kid Smiles strive to create a friendly and relaxing environment for all patients. The pediatric team provides helpful tips like those above to parents, while performing essential dental exams on children. Services include cleanings, toothache treatments, and tips on brushing and flossing. This clinic also serves adult patients by offering tooth extractions, root canals, teeth whitening, and many other essential services. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in High Point, NC, today by calling (336) 885-5437. Or, learn more about available treatments by visiting their website.