Is it good for my child to use a pacifier all day? What kind of pacifier should I give to them? These are two of the most frequent questions that pediatric dentists receive from new parents. The myth about its consequences on dental health is one of the reasons for this interest.
DOES THE SHOCK AFFECT THE TEETH?
For decades the use of the pacifier has been related to damage to the palate and dental alignment of the child’s teeth,
but at present it is proven that the effects are temporary if removed before 3 years. During this time, the pacifier does not cause definitive or permanent deformations. Anyway, it is important to emphasize that in children older than this age the continued use of the pacifier itself can be related to the open bite. Interestingly, the habit of sucking their finger can have more negative consequences on a child’s oral health. For starters, the hands are not completely clean, so it can cause infections in the mouth or the digestive system. In addition, finger sucking is related to excessive elevation of the palate.
WHEN DOES THE CARIES OF THE FEEDER APPEAR?
Feeder bottle caries can appear as early as the child has a tooth. Therefore, it is important that you clean the feeder with a dental gauze from the beginning of your child’s dentition.
WHY USE PUMP?
Once breastfeeding has settled, it is positive that the baby starts using a pacifier. Essentially, it is a guarantee of tranquility for the parents and the child too, which has a positive impact on their health.
TYPES OF PACIFIERS
The shape of the nipple and the material used in its manufacture mark the different types of pacifiers that we can find in the market.
- The anatomical pacifiers have a nipple – shaped squashed drop perfectly fits the palate.
- The physiological pacifiers have a flat and symmetrical nipple that presses slightly on the palate.
- The rubber pacifiers are smooth and soft. We must bear in mind that it is the most natural material that exists, and babies usually like it, but precisely because of this naturalness they last less and end up taking a certain smell as they are used.
- The silicone pacifiers are very soft, resistant and very durable. They are increasingly sophisticated and their touch is more like skin and rubber.
The pacifier shield is made of plastic free of toxic substances and has two forms: round, which is the most classic, and butterfly, with a design that technically helps improve suction.
THE SIZE OF THE CHILD’S MOUTH
In the pharmacy we can find 3 sizes of pacifiers, intended for children:
- Newborns and up to 6 months
- From 6 months
- From 12 or 18 months
In all cases, the size of the child’s mouth must be taken into account. So, the time to change them will always be relative.
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