When it comes to pacifiers, there seems to not be a unanimous consensus. Some people say they’re bad, and others simply don’t see any harm in them. The truth is that they are neither entirely bad nor entirely good. It all depends on how your child uses them. (Related topics: pediatric dentist in Midland Park, pediatric dentist in Elmwood Park)
Pacifiers were patented in the early 1900s and, since then, children all over the world use them on a regular basis. They use them for easing pain, getting through periods of crying, or whenever they feel angry or unsettled. Whatever the purpose of using them is, it is clear that it is a great aid for all parents, who may have a hard time dealing with their children’s changing moods. But, even though pacifiers are highly helpful, an inappropriate use may bring your child negative consequences. Below, we’ve developed a summary of some of the pros and cons of using pacifiers.
Pros
- As it was mentioned above, the use of pacifiers helps children calm down whenever they are upset. They may help ease a particular pain, by deviating the baby’s attention to the sucking instead of the pain. They’re also useful when babies are unsettled and constantly crying. Many times, the use of a pacifier is enough to get them to cease being upset.
- It helps to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). As its name suggests, it is the sudden death of a toddler (up to 1 year of age), without any apparent reason. It normally happens during sleep. By using pacifiers, babies do not enter in a very profound state of sleep, which prevents them from suffering from this syndrome.
- They provide comfort and satisfaction to your baby when they suck them.
- It contributes to the development of some muscles of the mouth.
Cons
- The prolonged use of pacifiers may lead to issues with teeth alignment, the mouth’s growth, and altering the shape of the roof of the mouth.
- Research shows that the use of pacifiers is related to ear infections such as otitis media.
- If not cleaned properly, pacifiers can be the channel through which different bacteria enter your baby’s mouth. In some cases, these bacteria can cause serious infections.
- The use of pacifiers may make your child dependant on them.
Recommendations for a Proper Use
- Let your child use it until they are 2 years old. All teeth and mouth problems a pacifier may have caused can be easily corrected up until this age.
- Clean the pacifier thoroughly every time before giving it to your child.
- Get a pacifier with holes in it. They allow air passage and prevent any serious complications in case it gets stuck in your child’s throat.
- Do not keep a pacifier for too long or reuse it with other children.
At Pediatric Dental Associates, the leading pediatric dentist in Midland Park and nearby areas, we strive to educate our patients in every aspect of their oral health. If you’d like to separate an appointment or know more about us, please call us now at (201) 652-7020.
