Sucking is a natural instinct for a baby, one that starts when they’re still in the womb. Pacifiers provide infants with a sense of security and help them sleep at night, but they can also cause problems with baby teeth development and jaw development. Recognizing normal behavior and knowing when to wean children off of pacifiers can help prevent oral health issues later on.

How Pacifiers Affect a Child’s Oral Health

For all the advantages of pacifiers, prolonged use can put pressure on a child’s teeth and gums. A common issue is misaligned baby teeth, especially the front incisors. Serious malalignment can be problematic for young children who are learning to eat solid food.

Your baby’s developing jaw will also shape itself around any object held in their mouth for extended periods. In the long term, excessive reliance on a pacifier can change the shape of the roof of the mouth and jaw.

When to Stop Pacifier Use

As your child grows and learns to explore their environment, they’ll likely start using pacifiers less without much prompting. However, they may still want it at night or in stressful situations. While this is normal, most pediatric dentists recommend weaning your child off of their pacifier by two years of age.

How to Wean a Child Off of Pacifiers

Children usually won’t understand that pacifiers are bad for their baby teeth, so making it less satisfying is usually the best approach. Dipping the pacifier in white vinegar gives it an unpleasant taste, or you might try piercing or cutting off the tip.

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can simply leave it behind when you go on vacation. However, this is usually best for children who only use pacifiers occasionally.

To maintain your child’s baby teeth, rely on Pedodontic Associates. They’ve offered exceptional service and expertise to families throughout Oahu and Maui for over 25 years. Visit their website for more infant oral healthcare tips. Call (808) 735-1733 to make an appointment at their Honolulu clinic. To reach their Aiea location, call (808) 487-7933, or dial (808) 877-0066 for their office in Kahului.