How Do You Prevent Pacifier Teeth?

Loading ...
ADMS
Health & Medical
Sunrise Dentistry
https://sunrise-dentistry.com/blog/how-do-you-prevent-pacifier-teeth/
How Do You Prevent
Pacifier Teeth?
B LOG  |  S UNR I S E  D EN T I S T R Y
https://sunrise-dentistry.com/
Whether or not you allow your baby to use
a pacifier is a hard decision, especially if
you are a new parent. Are pacifiers bad for
teeth? Definitely not! If you have seen a
baby contentedly sucking on one, you will
never doubt the benefits of its use, and
medical experts would not even argue. 
Pediatricians and dentists agree that
babies should not be discouraged from
using pacifiers. In fact, it’s preferable to
thumb sucking.
The Benefits of Using Pacifiers
Aside from keeping a baby relaxed and
calm, the use of pacifiers has been
associated with shorter hospital stays for
premature babies and reduced risk of
sudden infant death syndrome. Babies
using pacifiers also had an easier time
weaning than those who suck their
thumbs.
However, many parents are concerned
about the possible dental problems that
prolonged pacifier use may cause. What is
pacifier teeth? Is it preventable? Read on
to learn more.
What Is Pacifier Teeth?
Babies’ mouths and teeth continue to grow
and mature throughout childhood. The
long-term use of a pacifier may affect
mouth shape and teeth alignment.
According to experts, it is common to see
the following dental problems in cases of
pacifier teeth:
The baby or toddler’s front teeth may
tip forward and become crooked
Bite problems due to changes in teeth
position and jaw alignment
Front teeth do not meet when the
mouth is closed, causing changes on
the roof of the mouth
Teeth spacing
Speech problems
How Do You Fix Pacifier Teeth?
Pacifier teeth will not correct themselves
naturally. Your little one will more likely
make frequent visits to a dentist. In the
worst cases, a child may require complex
orthodontic treatment to correct teeth
positioning. However, this cannot be
started until the child reaches at least nine
years old.
The use of myofunctional therapy has
been proven to be helpful when trying to
stop this habit. It also helps improve
swallowing 
patterns 
and 
tongue
positioning, which may save babies from
health issues later in life.
Prevention is still your best bet with
prolonged pacifier use!
How Can You Prevent Pacifier Teeth?
Stop the Habit Early in Life
A good guideline for when babies should
stop using a pacifier is once they start
cooing and babbling at five months old. At
this time, they have better control over their
mouth and tongue.
Suckling is now replaced by sucking. Teething
also begins, and this is the best time to switch
to teething rings and other gum soothing
items.
Stopping pacifier use early will prevent the
emotional stress that may come from
weaning or stopping pacifier use abruptly.
Also, if the use continues beyond the age of
two, there is a higher risk for malocclusion.
However, breaking the habit is easier said
than done. To help your child wean from
the pacifier, you have to make the
experience dissatisfying. You may dip the
pacifier in white vinegar or pierce the top
of the pacifier to reduce sucking pleasure.
Switch to an Orthodontic Pacifier
If you cannot stop your baby from using a
pacifier at an early age, you can use the best
type of pacifiers. You likely already know
about the common types, such as the single
piece, multiple piece, novelty, and feeding
pacifiers, but how about an orthodontic
pacifier?
Its design does not interfere with the
normal development of the jawbone
and palate
An orthodontic pacifier is specifically made
to help minimize most pacifier teeth
damage. What makes it different from the
rest?
There is less pressure on the baby’s
gums during sucking
It helps mimic natural suckling by
flattening when the baby sucks on it
So, if you think it’s impossible to stop
your baby from using a pacifier anytime
soon, you might as well invest in a
pacifier that prioritizes dental health.
Praise and Encouragement Works!
Encouragement and praise are both very
helpful when trying to break a habit. Praise
your toddler when he or she does not use a
pacifier. Give rewards like a start stamp or
other tooth-friendly treats for every night
that goes by pacifier-free.
If your baby asks for a pacifier during
stressful situations, offer hugs and kisses.
Comfort your child and try to divert their
attention to other interesting things or
activities.
Never punish your toddler for using a
pacifier! This may encourage them to use it
more to cope with the reprimand.
Practice Good Oral Care
Of course, keeping your baby’s teeth as
clean and normal as possible will help
prevent other dental problems. Brushing
twice daily using an age-appropriate
toothpaste is highly recommended.
Remember, your little one’s smile is an
investment in their future. A confident
smile greatly affects every aspect of an
adult 
life, from careers to personal
relationships.
Get early treatment and prevention tips in
case of pacifier teeth. Call our clinic at (970)
247-3303! We are one of the few clinics to
offer holistic dentistry in Durango, CO.
Our professionals know exactly what to do
to help keep your child’s teeth and mouth
healthy.
dale@durangolive.net
EMAIL ADDRESS
(970) 247-3303
PHONE NUMBER
https://sunrise-dentistry.com/
CLICK BELOW TO VISIT SITE:
Contact
Details