Many parents use pacifiers to soothe their babies thanks to the calming effect these simple pieces of plastic have on little ones. However, while comforting, pacifiers can have a negative impact on infant oral health, so new parents must learn how to prevent issues.

The Downside of Pacifiers

Pacifiers are fine to use when your baby is young. However, prolonged use is associated with a variety of oral issues, including front teeth that jut out at an angle, crooked teeth, and bite misalignment.

If your child is beginning to develop teeth, there are also risks regarding tooth decay. For instance, some parents dip the pacifier in honey or syrup to make it more palatable to the child, which can lead to cavities. Cavities in baby teeth can in turn affect the development of adult teeth and jaw tissues.

Pacifier Best Practices for Infant Oral Health

Your child can use pacifiers safely if you take the right steps. Start weaning your child off pacifiers by age two if they haven’t done so naturally.

Keep the plastic clean to avoid exposing your baby to bacteria. If your baby is six months or younger, boil the plastic to sanitize it. With older babies, you can use gentle soap and water. Never put the pacifier in your own mouth to clean it, and don’t dip it into a sugary substance before giving it to your child.

New parents in and around Honolulu, HI, look to Pedodontic Associates for infant oral health information. With over 25 years of experience, the pediatric dentists also provide a range of services, including teeth cleanings and exams, nutritional guidance, X-rays, and emergency dental treatment. Most importantly, they create a comforting and relaxed environment for all kids at their practice. Visit them online to learn more about their services. You can also schedule an appointment by contacting one of three offices: (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.