The Latest Pacifier Recommendations

Research presented at a joint Pediatric Dentistry / Orthodontics conference recently revealed an increasing focus on recommending that babies discontinue pacifier use at an earlier age. While pacifiers can have many benefits earlier in life, including reduction in the risks of SIDS and as an aid to soothe babies, the risks of pacifier use begin to outweigh the benefits as a baby gets older.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that babies are weaned from pacifiers by age 18 months. Prolonged use has increasingly been shown to significantly affect proper jaw and bite development. Not only are the front teeth pushed forward by a pacifier, but the back teeth and the roof of the mouth also change their position and shape. This will result in extensive orthodontic treatment later in life and even contribute to improper tongue positioning.

Many parents may not be aware that the sizes of a pacifier need to be staged as a child grows. An older baby should not use the same pacifier size they had as infants. Also be aware that plush animal pacifiers place unusually high levels of force on a child’s teeth as they exert extra weight mimicking a kettlebell kind of action on the pacifier.

If you have questions regarding your own child’s pacifier use, please schedule a visit with one of our doctors so that we can assess your child’s bite and offer personalized recommendations on use.